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LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY |
THE IBIS,
QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY.
EDITED BY
OSBERT SALVIN, M.A., F.R.S.,
STRICKLAND CURATOR IX THE UI^IVBRSITY OP CAMBRIDGE, &c.
VOL. V. 1875. THIRD SERIES.
Ibidis auspicio norus incipit Ibidis ordo !
LONDON:
JOHN VAN VOORST, 1 PATERNOSTER ROW
1875.
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STltEET.
PREFACE.
In bringing the 17tli volume of 'The Ibis' to a conclusion, it remains for me to thank the many contributors to its pages for the support they have given me. That the former have not diminished in number, nor their contributions fallen off in excel- lence or variety, may well be subjects of congratu- lation to the Members of our Union. That our prospects for the coming year seem no less bright is equally a source of satisfaction.
OSBERT SALVIN,
Editor.
Brooklands Avenue, Cambridge. October 1875,
BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION. 1875.
[An asterisk indicates an Original Member.]
Date of
Election.
1874. Edward R. Alston, F.Z.S. ; Dorset Street, London, W. 1870. Andrew Anderson, F.Z.S. ; Futtehgurh, North- West Pro- vinces, India.
1872. Hanbury Barclay, F.Z.S. ; Middleton Hall, Tamworth.
1875. John Biddulph, Capt. 19th Hussars ; Government House,
Calcutta.
1873. W. T. Blaneord, F.E.S. &c. ; Geological Survey of India,
Calcutta.
1870. Sir Victor Brooke, Bart. ; Colebrooke, Fermanagh, Ireland.
1871. Arthur Basil Brooke; Cardney, Dunkeld, N.B. 1866. Henry Buckley, F.Z.S. ; Edgbaston, Birmingham.
1868. Thomas Edward Buckley, B.A., F.Z.S. ; Ardullie Lodge, Foulis, N. B.
1872. Walter Lawry Buller, Sc.D., C.M.G., F.L.S., &c. ; Wan-
ganui, New Zealand.
1874. John Cordeaux; Great Cotes, Ulceby, Lincolnshire.
1866. Arthur William Crichxon, B.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; Broadward
Hall, Salop. 1874. Charles Danford, F.Z.S. ; Knowles, Newton, Devon.
1865. Henry Eeles Dresser, F.Z.S. ; 6 Tenterden Street, Hanover
Square, London, W. *Henry Maurice Drummond-Hay, C.M.Z.S., Lieutenant-Colo- nel, Royal Perth Rifles ; Seggieden, Perth. 1870. Daniel Giraud Elliot, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c. ; 5 Rue de Tilsitt, Paris.
1866. Henry John Elwes, F.Z.S. ; Miserden House, Cirencester.
Date of Election.
*TnoMAs Campbell Eyxon, F.Z.S. ; Eyton Hall, Wellingtonj Salop. 1873. H. W. Fkilden, Captain and Paymaster, Royal Artillery.
1867. George Gooch Fowlee, E.A. ; Guutou Hall, Lowestoft,
Suffolk. 1865, llev. Henry ELLiorr Fox, B.A. ; 30 Warwick Square, Loudon, S.W.
1873. Alfred Henry Gareod,M.A.,F.Z.S.; 11 Harley Street, London. *Frederick DttCane Godman, F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; 6 Tentcrdcn
Street, Hanover Square, W. *Percy Sanden Gobman, B.A., C.M.Z.S. ; Nutliiirst Lodge, Horsham, Sussex.
1874. Major H. Godwin- Austen, F.Z.S. ; Chilworth Manor, Guild-
ford, Surrey.
1871. lloBERT Gray ; 13 Inverleith Row, Edinbujgli.
*JoHN Henry Gttrnet, F.Z.S. ; Northrepps, Norwich.
1870. John Henry Gtjeney, Jun., F.Z.S. ; Northrepps, Norwich.
1873. James FETnEEsroNHAUGH Hamilton, F.Z.S. ; 27 Elgin Cres- cent, Netting Hill, W.
1868. James Edmund Haeting, F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; 24 Lincoln's Inn
Fields, London. 1873. John A. Haevie Brown ; Dunipace House, Falkirk, N.B.
1868. Rev. Herbeet S. Hawkins, M.A. ; Beyton Rectory, Suffolk.
1875. J. C. Hele ; Knowles, Newton- Abbot.
1873. Charles B. Hodgson, F.Z.S. ; 13 Waterloo Street, Bir-
mingham. *Wilfeid Hudleston HtTDLESTON, M.A., F.Z.S. ; 23 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea.
1874, Baron A. von Hugel ; Moorlands, Bournemouth.
1869. Allan Octavian Hume, C.B. ; Secretary to the Government
of India, Calcutta.
1873. Most Hon. Chaeles, Marquess of Huntly; 41 Upper Gros-
venor Street, London.
1870. Hon. Hedwoeth Hylton-Jollieee ; Charlton, Radstock,
Bath. 1870. Col. Leonaed Howaed L, Ieby, F,Z,S, ; Hythe, Southampton,
1874. Alexandee W. M. Clarke Kennedy, F,Z,S, ; Carruchan,
Dumfries, N,B. *Aetuue Edwaed Knox, M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; Trottou House, Petersficld, Sussex.
Date of
Election.
*Kight Hon. Thomas Lyttleton, Lord Lilfobd, F.L.S., F.Z.8., &c. ; Lilford Hall, Oiiiidle, Northants.
1874. Major John Hayes Lloyd, F.Z.S. ; 74 Adelaide Road, Haver-
stock Hill, London, N.W.
1875, John "Wingfifld Malcolm, M.P. ; 7 Stanhope Street, May-
fair, London, W. 1870. C. H. T. Marshall, F.Z.S. ; Captain, Bengal Staff Corps.
1870. G. F. L. Marshall, F.Z.S. ; Capt. Royal (Bengal) Engineers.
1864, Alexander Goodman More, F.L.S. &c. ; 3 Botanic View,
Glasnevin, Dublin.
1874. Rhodes W. Morgan ; Madras Forest Department, Ootaca-
mund, India.
1872. Francis D'Arcy William Clotjgh Newcome ; Feltwell Hall,
Brandon, Suffolk. *Alfred Newton, M.A., F.R.S., V.P.Z.S. ; Professor of Zoology
in the University of Cambridge. *Edward Newton, M.A., C.M.G., F.L.S., C.M.Z.S., Colonial
Secretary, Mauritius,
1875, George Pole, Capt. Royal Engineers ; Junior United Service
Club,
1871. Reginald Carew Pole, Lieut, Royal Navy; Yovilton,Tlchester. *JoHN William Powlett-Orde, F.Z.S., late Captain, 42nd
(Royal Highland) Regiment ; Auchnaba House, Loch Gilp Head, N. B.
1872. R. G. Wardlaw Ramsay, 67th Regiment ; White Hill, Lass-
wade, N. B.
1865. George Dawson Rowley, M.A., F.Z.S. ; Chichester House,
Brighton.
1873. Oliver Beatichamp Coventry St. John, Major R.A., F.Z.S. *OsBERT Salvin, M.A., F.R.S., &c.; 6 Tenterden Street, Han- over Square, London, W.
1870. Howard Saunders, F.Z.S. ; 7 Radnor Place, Hyde Park. *Philip Ltjtlet Sclater, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S., &c. ; 44 Elvas-
ton Place, Queen's Gate, London, W.
1873, Henry Seebohm ; Oak Lea, Collegiate Crescent, Broomhall
Park, Sheffield.
1871. Richard Bowdler Sharpe, F.L.S. , F.Z.S. ; Senior Assistant,
Zoological Department, British Museum. 1870. G. Ernest Shelley, F.Z.S., late Captain, Grenadier Guards ; 6 Tenterden Street, Hanover Square, London, W.
Date of Election.
1865. Rev. Charles William Shepherd, M.A., F.Z.S. ; Trotters-
clifFe, Kent. 1864. Rev. Alfred Charles Smith, M.A, ; Yatesbury Rectory,
Wiltshire.
1874. Cecil Smith ; Lydiard House, Taunton, Somersetshire.
1875. A. C. Stark. Hillstead, Torquay, Devon.
1864. Henry Stevenson, F.L.S, ; Unthank's Road, Worwick. 1868. Hamon Styleman Le Strange, F.Z.S. ; Hunstanton Hall,
Norfolk. 1875. Paget Walter Le Strange, Lieut.-Col. Royal Artillery,
Sheerness. *Ed\vard Cavendish Taylor, M.A., F.Z.S. ; 74 Jermyn Street,
London. 1864. George Cavendish Taylor, F.Z.S. ; 42 Elvaston Place,
Queen's Gate, London.
1873. William Bernhard Tegetmeier, F.Z.S. ; Finchley, Middlesex. *Rev. Henry Baker Tristram, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S., &c.,
Canon of Durham. The College, Durham. 1864. Henry Morris Upcher, F.Z.S. ; Sherringham Hall, Norfolk, 1872. Herbert Taylor Ussher, C.M.G., Lieut.-Govemor of the
Island of Tobago, West Indies. 1864. Right Hon. Arthur Viscount Walden, F.R.S., F.L.S.,
Pres. Z.S. ; Walden Cottage, Chislehurst, Kent.
1874. Charles Bygrave Wharton, F.Z.S. Ringsley, Cheadle, Stoke-
upon-Trent. 1871. E. Percival Wright, M.D., F.L.S., F.Z.S., Professor of Botany in the University of Dublin.
1875. Charles A. Wright.
Extra- Ordhuiry Member. 1860. Alfred Russel Wallace, F.Z.S. ; The Dell, Grays, Essex.
Honorary Members.
1860. Professor Spencer F. Baird, Assistant Secretary to the Smith- sonian Institution, Washington.
1860. Doctor Eduard Baldamtjs, Moritzwinger, No. 7, Halle.
1860. Doctor Jean Cabanis, Erster Gustos am koniglichen Museum der Friedrich-Wilhelm's Universitat zu Berlin.
1870. Doctor Otto Finsch, Zoological Museum, Bremen.
1860. Doctor Gusiav Hartlaub, Bremen.
?-'■«■■■
Date of
Election.
18G0. Edgae Leopold Layard, C.M.G., F.Z.S., H.M. Consul in the
Fiji Islands. 1869. August von Pelzeln, Gustos am k.-k. zoologischen Cabinete
in Wien. 1860. Professor J. Reinhardt, Kongelige K'aturhistoriske Museum
i Kjohenhavn. 1862. Robert Swinhoe, F.Z.S., F.R.G.S., late of H. M. Consular
Service, China. 33 Carlyle Square, London, S.W.
Foreign Members.
1872. Prof. J. V. Barboza du Socage, Eoyal Museum, Lisbon. 1875. Hans Graf von Berlepsch, Witzenhausen, Hessen-Nassau.
1872. Prof, J. F. Brandt, Imperial Museum, St. Petersburg.
1873. Robert Collett, Christiania.
1872. Doctor Elliott Coues, U.S. Army, Smithsonian Institution,
WasJiington, D. C. 1875. Marchese Giacomo Doria, Genoa. 1872. Doctor Victor Fatio, Geneva. 1872. Doctor Henry Hillyer Giglioli, Royal Superior Institute,
Florence. 1872. Doctor Theodor von Heuglin, Stuttgart. 1872. George N". Lawrence, New YorTc. 1872. Baron De Selys Longchamps, Liege. 1872. Doctor A. J. Malmgren, Helsingfors. 1872. Doctor A. von Middendorff, Dorpat. 1872. Alphonse Milne-Edwards, Jardin des Plantes, Paris. 1872. Prof. GusTAV Radde, Tips.
1872. Count ToMMASO Salvadori, Royal Museum, Turin. 1872. Prof. Herman Schlegel, University Museum, Leyden.
CONTENTS OF VOL. V.— THIRD SERIES.
(1875.)
Number XVII., January.
Page
I. Cruise of the 'Zara,' 11. Y. S., in the Mediterranean. Ey LOBD LlLFOliD . 1
II. Contributions to a History of the Accipitres. The Genus Qlaucidium. By li. Bowdler Sharpe, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c., of the Zoological Department, British Museum. (Plates
L, II.) 35
III. Three Months on the Coast of South Africa. By Cap- tain G. E. Shelley, F.R.G.S 59
IV. Notes on a Catalogue of the Accipitres in the British Museum, by E. Bowdler Sharpe (1874). By J. H. Gurney . 87
V. Notes on Severtzoflf's ' Fauna of Turkestan ' (Turkes- tanskie Jevotnie). By H. E. Dresser 96
VI. On Two apparently new Species of Penguin from New Zealand. By Dr. 0. Finsch, Hou.M.B.O.U 112
VII. Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo (Province of Shan- tung, North China). Ey E. Swinhoe, H.M. Consul. (Plate III.) [Concluded.] 114
VIII. Letters, Announcements, &c. : —
Letters from Mr. J. H. Gurney, Jun., Mr. Andrew Anderson, Mr. Swinhoe (two), Herr A. B. Meyer, and Lord Walden . . 140
Number XVIII., April.
IX. Notes on the TrocliilidcH. The Genera Cldorost'dhoii and Pawjchlora. By D. G. Elliot, F.L.S. &c 149
XU C0NTKNT8.
X. Notes on the Birds of Heligoland in Mr. Gatke's Collec- tion. By John Cohdkaux 172
XI. The Birds of Transylvania. By Charles G. Danford, F.Z.S., and John A. Harvie Brown 188
XII. On the Nidification of certain Indian Birds. Part IV.
By Andrew Anderson, F.Z.S 199
XIII. Synopsis of the Species of the Subfamily DiylossincB.
By P. L. ScLATER, M.A., F.R.S. (Plates IV., V.) .... 204
XIV. Notes on a ' Catalogue of the Aecipitres in the British Museum,' by R. Bowdler Sharpe (1874), By J. H. Gurnet . 221
XV. Notes on Severtzoff 's ' Fauna of Turkestan ' (Turkes- tanskie Jevotnie). By H. E. Dresser 236
XVI. Descriptions of some supposed new Species of Birds. By Major Godwin-Austen, F.Z.S. , and Arthur, Viscount Walden, F.R.S 250
XVII. Contributions to a History of the Aecipitres. Notes on Birds of Prey in the Museum at the Jardin des Plantes and in the Collection of Mons. A. Bouvier. By R. Bowdler Sharpe, F.L.S., F.Z.S,, &c., of the Zoological Department, British Museum 253
XVIII. Notices of recently published Ornithological Works . 261
XIX. Letters, Announcements, &c. ; —
Letters from Mons, Leon Olphe-Galliard, Mr, J. H. Gurney, Viscount Walden, Dr, Elliott Coues, and Professor Newton , . 267
Number XIX., July.
XX. On the Birds of the South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. By W. Vincent Legge, Lieut, R.A., F.Z.S. . 273
XXI, The Birds of Transylvania, — Part II. By Charles
G. Danford and John A. Harvie Brown 291
XXII. On the Nidification of certain South-Indian Birds.
By Rhodes W. Morgan 313
XXIII, Contributions to a History of the Aecipitres. The Genus Strix of Linnaeus and its type. By R. Bowdler Sharpe,
CONTENTS. Xrn
Page F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c., of the Zoological Department, British Museum 324
XXIV. Description of an apparently new Species of Teal from Kerguelen's Island. By R. Bowdler Shaepe, F.L.S. &c. 328
XXV. On some Birds from Spanish Guiana collected by Herr Miintzberg. By Aijgttst von Pelzeln 329
XXVT. Notes on Severtzoff's ' Fauna of Turkestan ' (Turkes- tanskie Jevotnie). By H. E. Deesser 332
XXVII. Note on Palceornis exsid. By Alfred Newton, M.A., F.E.S. (Plate VII.) 342
XXVIII. On Turdus javanicus of Horsfield, and its allied form Turdvs scMegeli. By P. L. Sclatee, M.A., F.R.S. (Plate VIII.) 344
XXIX. Ornithological Notes from the District of Karen-nee, Burmah. By Robert Wardlaw Ramsat 348
XXX. Notes on a ' Catalogue of the Accipitres in the British Museum,' by R. Bowdler Sharpe (1874). By J. H. Gurnet. (Plate VI.) 353
XXXI. Additional Notes on the Birds of the Islands of Mas- afuera and Juan Fernandez. By Osbert Salvin, M.A., F.R.S. 370
XXXII. Notes on Rhipidura rufifrons, with a Description
of its Eggs and Nest. By Edavard P. Ramsay, C.M.Z.S. &c. . 377
XXXIII. A few stray Notes on African Birds. By Capt.
G. E. Shelley, F.R.G.S 379
XXXIV. Descriptions of five new Species of American Birds.
By George N. Lawrence. (Plate IX.) 383
XXXV. Letters, Annoimcements, &c. : —
Letters from Mr. H, E. Dresser, Mr. W. T. Blanford, Mr. Sclater, and extracts from a letter from Baron A. von Hiigel ; News of M. d'Albertis in New Guinea ; New Ornithological Works 387
Number XX., October. XXXVI. On the Birds of the South-eastern Subdivision of
Pacje Southern Ceylon. By W. Vincent Legge, Lieut. K.A., F.Z.S. [Conclusion] 395
XXXVII. The Birds of Transylvania. By Charles G. Dan- ford and John A. Harvie Brown. [Conclusion] 412
XXXVIII. Description of a new Flycatcher belonging to the Genus Myiagra, and Notes on some other Fijian Birds, By E. L. Latard, Administrator of the Government of the Colony of Fiji 434
XXXIX. List of Samoan Birds, with Notes on their Habits
&c. By the Bev. S. J. Whitmee 436
XL. On the Contents of a second Box of Birds from Hako- dadi, in Northern Japan. By K. Swinhoe 447
XLL Notes on Birds from Burma. By Arthur Viscount Walden, F.R.S 458
XLIL Remarks on the Species of the Tanagrine Genus CMo- rochrysa. By P. L. Sclater, M.A., Ph.D., F.E.S. (Plate X.) 464
XLIII. Note on Chalcopelia hreTimeri. By Dr. 0. FiNscn . 467
XLIV. Notes on a ' Catalogue of the Accipitres in the British Museum,' by E. Bowdler Sharpc. By J. H. Gtjrney . . . 468
XLV. On the Immature Plumage of Elwdostetliia rosea. By Howard Saunders, F.L.S., F.Z.S 484
XLVI. Notes on some New Central-Asiatic Birds. By Dr. N. Severtzoff 487
XLVII. Notices of recently published Ornithological "Works. 494
XLVIII. Letters, Announcements, &c. : —
Letters from Messrs. E. P. Ramsay, H. E. Dresser (two), A. B. Brooke, J. H. Gurney, J. H. Gurney, jun., J. A. Harvie Brown, Robert Swinhoe ; news of the Arctic Expedition ; Mr. Dresser's reprint of Eversmann's ' Addenda ;' discovery of un- published letters of Gilbert White 512
XLIX. Obituary:—
Notice of the death of Sir William Jardine, of Carl J. Sunde- vall, and of Dr. John Edward Gray 522
Index 527
PLATES IN VOL. V. FOURTH SERIES.
Page
I. Glaucidiiim gnoma . 38
yy r Pig. 1. Glaueidium pumilum I 41
I Fig. 2. Glaueidium griseiceps J
III. Porzana exquisita 135
IV. Diglossa pectoralis 212
V. Diglossa albilateralis 216
VI. Accipiter ovampensis 367
VII. Palseornis exsul 342
VIII. Turdus javanieus 346
j-cj- J Fig. 1. Chlorospingus? speculiferus 1 ooo
1 Fig. 2. Serpophaga leucura J
X. Chlorochrysa nitidissima 466
ERRATA ET CORRIGENDA.
Page Line
27, 19) for cinereus read hihli.
50, 10, for lan&heri read lansbergi.
68, 8, for FULiGULA read fulvigula.
73, 26, for letsitsirupa read litsisirupa.
85, \7,for EupODOTvs read Eupodotis.
112, 18, for viTTATA read vittatus.
121, 5, for Euphnna read Eophona.
128, 35, for maculosus read maculafus.
275, 14, for baiaviensis read hatassiensis.
335, 1 1, for Myiophonkus read Myiophonus.
361, 26, for breviceps read brevij^cs.
389 29 1
390,' 12,' i /or Sidney rra(Z Sydney.
393, 24, J
393, 10, for brachipus read brachypus.
403, 13, for Leptoptilu javanicu read Leptoptilus javanicus.
THE IBIS.
THIRD SERIES.
No. XVII. JANUARY 1875.
I. — Cruise of the ' Zara,' R. Y. S., in the Mediterranean. ^ By Lord Lilford.
It is so long since I have written any thing for this Journal, that I fear that many Members of the B.O.U., more espe- cially those lately elected, may consider that the President is a myth, who never appears at the Annual Meetings, and merely exists as a sort of conventional fiction. I resume the pen, then, partly to assure such Ibises that I have a real ex- istence, and, though latterly prevented by illness from attend- ing the Annual Meetings of our Society, that my interest in the said Society is in no way diminished, and my ardour for ornithology very much augmented. I hope I may be forgiven for saying this much entirely about myself; but I really feel that, before recording the few following facts, some kind of introduction is becoming, although not strictly necessary, on my part. Since I last wrote in this Journal, I have visited Spain, the country of my predilection, three times ; but al- though, on two of these occasions, I had fair ornithological success in Andalucia, that district has been so much more thoroughly explored by my friend Colonel Irby, to whose
SER. III. VOL. V. B
2 Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean.
accurate powers of observation and ardour in the cause European ornithologists must ever be greatly indebted, and so much has been written by another of our fraternity, Mr, Howard Saunders, that I hardly considered myself justified in asking for space in ' The Ibis ' to record things of Spain. I may, however, mention that during one of the above-men- tioned visits to Spain I had the satisfaction of discovering an undescribed species of bird, viz. CalandreUa bcetica, Dresser, ' Birds of Europe,' and of thoroughly investigating the breeding-habits of the Spanish Imperial Eagle {Aquila ad- alberti), recently specifically separated from the Eastern species {Aquila mogilnik). I may add that there is still plenty of ground in old Spain for enterprising naturalists ; and let us hope that when a Spanish monarch is once more on the throne of that glorious but unhappy country, and things become more settled therein, some of our increasing flock of Ibises may migrate thither, and reap a rich harvest. This may be a thing of " manana ;'' but, as the natives say, " Ojala Dios ! " It is my purpose in this paper to relate my prin- cipal ornithological observations during a yacht-cruise in the Mediterranean, extending from the end of December 1873, till the end of June 1874, and to show how much may be done comparatively near home even by a naturalist so incapaci- tated by lameness as myself.
I despatched my yacht, the ' Zara,' R. Y. S., from England for Toulon about the end of October 1873 ; and we started from England, via France, about the middle of the following month to join her at the latter place. After being detained by gales of wind at the North Foreland, taking in stores at Plymouth, and being again driven back and detained at Falmouth for more than a week by a furious south-wester, she reached Gibraltar November 16th, after an eight days' run from Falmouth, and was detained at Gibraltar for three days by that curse of 'Hhe Rock,'' a furious " levanter." After encountering very bad weather and calms, and being obliged to take shelter in Port Mahon for nearly a fortnight, she eventually reached Toulon, where the authorities kindly put her in quarantine for three days because the Captain had not
Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean. 3
obtained a visa of the French Consul at Port Mahon, for the good reason that after diligent researches he had been unable to find, or hear of, any such functionary at that port. The yacht had lost some copper ; and I was obliged to put her into dry dock for repairs, having to go through innumerable useless ceremonies, and visit innumerable bureaux before I could get any thing done. It appears incredible, but I had no less than sixteen official documents to sign and deliver at some twelve different bureaux before the dockyard autho- rities would oblige me by accepting the money due for hire of dry dock and work upon the vessel.
I need hardly say that on our way through France, and at Toulon, I had seen hardly any thing worthy of remark, ornitho- logically speaking — an Eagle Owl hanging up in a poulterer's shop at Marseilles (which I was informed was not " ime piece de gibier, mais pour les amateurs ") , some young Blue Rock- Thrushes alive, and various species of Ducks, some Woodcocks, Snipes, and Godwits in the market. A locality more entirely destitute of birds than the environs of Toulon I never saw. With the exception of a considerable number of Gulls {Larus leticophceus , L. melanocephalus , L. ridibundus, and L. canus), I literally hardly saw any bird but a few Sparrows, all here P. domesticus, a solitary Kingfisher, and a pair of Wall-creepers {Tichodroma muraria), in the gorge of Ollioule, some miles from the town. Notwithstanding this absence of feathered fowl, I, wishing to be entirely '' en regle,'^ spent three days in procuring a " permis de chasse,^^ being sent from Consul to Mayor, from Mayor to Prefet, and from Prefet — I was going to say, about my business ; but my business was a " permis,^' and Monsieur le Prefet, or Sous-Prefet, sent me away, and said the official forms could not be officially ready before to-morrow. We talk of Spanish procrastination ; but with good temper and courtesy, and an occasional cigar, a Spanish official will be ready (he is too much of an Arab to be anxious) to oblige a stranger. In Spain there is no system ; and in unhappy France system is the curse of the country, and tlie result is, an amount of petty official swagger, and a swarm of bureaux, especially provoking to an English-
B 2
4 Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean.
man, who is generally in a hurry, and cannot understand why he cannot have any article that he is ready to pay for there and then. Having, as I say, after three days of perfectly unnecessary driving from pillar to post, obtained the pre- cious document, and thinking I might perhaps get a Gull or two in the harbour, I took a boat, and stood away for the extreme west corner of the fine bay to a spot where my boat- man informed me we should find many ducks, and perhaps o-et a shot. The Gulls, though swarming in the small inner harbour, where shooting is not allowed, took such good care of themselves out in the bay, that I could not get a shot ; the ducks were of course a myth ; and the only birds I saw were the Kingfisher mentioned above, and a few Crossbills in a pine-wood, which also perfectly understood the meaning of a gun. I think my old boatman, an old man-of-war's man, who had been a prisoner in England during Napoleon's war with us, wished to revenge his wrongs ; for not content with taking me, as a representative of " la perfide Albion," in pursuit of imaginary ducks, he further persuaded me to fish in a blazing sun and thirty fathoms of water, for a whole day, the sole result being the capture of a few very small " bogues " (a perfectly worthless fish) and a sharp attack of rheumatic gout, brought on by the sudden piercing chill at sun- set after the great heat of the day. Experience is invaluable ; but I certainly, on this occasion, paid a high price in learning that sport, in the south of France at all events, is a delusion and a snare, and that the inhabitants are, as a rule, wholly untrustworthy. I was laid up for three weeks, fortunately in a good hotel, and well attended by our Doctor, Mr. Sidney Morris, who accompanied us through the cruise, and to whose activity and eagerness for la chasse I am indebted for many of my specimens. Being just able to move, I went on board the yacht on 2Gth of December, and sailed the following day for Cannes. The coast is exceedingly beautiful ; and the weather was fine. We lay one night in the roads of Hyeres. On these islands there really is some shooting, as they are preserved ; and I hear (from an Englishman) that there are a fair number of Partridges and rabbits, and occasionally con-
Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean. 5
siderable flights of Woodcocks and wildfowl. There is a great breeding-place of Gulls on la Gabinera^ a rocky islet south of the middle island : but I was not in a condition for explora- tion ; so we sailed again for Cannes on the 29thj and^ with light head-winds and calms^ arrived there at 9 p.m. the same day, seeing no birds on our way but a few Gulls and two or three Shearwaters. At Cannes we remained three zooloffi- cally profitless weeks, and I had a return of my malady, which prevented my ever getting ashore ; but we found many friends amongst the large and steadily increasing English colony there, whose attention and kindness made the time pass quickly. My yacht- steward, who had passed many years collecting and preserving objects of natural history in Aus- tralia, and is a good hand at the business, brought me off various birds from the market, amongst others, Turdus tor- quatus, Coccothraustes vulgaris, Caccabis rufa, Caccabis pe- trosa (from Sardinia), Anas clypeata, A. crecca, A. acuta, Mareca penelope, Fuligula ferina, Mergus merganser, and Scolopax rusticola. A friend whom we found there, a High- lander, and devoted to the gun, told me that amongst the pine-clad hills which surround Cannes, he had in about two months' constant rambles met with two Woodcocks, four Partridges, an Owl, and many foxes ; so I cannot recommend Cannes as a shooting-locality. The climate is certainly fine; but in all this part of the Mediterranean coast the sudden piercing cold at sunset is especially to be guarded against, and must, I think, be prejudicial to the class of invalids who principally resort thither. The Russians and our Trans- atlantic cousins have monopolized Nice, the climate of which place, pace the faculty, is in my opinion simply abominable ; and our country people have gone to the eastward, and are establishing themselves along the lovely Riviera from Men- tone to Savona, where the climate in winter really is fine, and the countiy interesting and comparatively little known. I speak from experience, having passed some nine months in this part of Europe, and sailed, walked, ridden, driven, and steamed along and almost all over it. I found that, while to the westward of the Maritime Alps the peasantry are boorish^
6 Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean.
uncivil, and rapacious, to the eastward of that chain they are simple-minded, lively, honest, and obliging; but no doubt increasing civilization and the influx of foreigners will soon change all this, and a travelling Englishman will be consi- dered, as in other places, a sort of mint which issues good coin without getting any thing in return but fine air and such amusement as his own resources may provide for him. We left Cannes January 19th, with beautiful weather ; but we had no wind, and for four days just crept along the coast, which is so exceedingly beautiful that we could hardly regret the delay, as we were not pressed for time, and the deck of a good yacht in fine weather furnishes perhaps as pleasant a lounge for a convalescent as can well be imagined. At length, on the morning of Jan. 22, we got a fair breeze, and arrived at Genoa about 9 a.m. I had not visited this beautiful city for many years, and was now prevented from going ashore much by my lameness. I had the pleasure, however, of making the acquaintance of the Marchese Giacomo Doria, a hardworking and accurate naturalist, and an excellent good fellow, who was kind enough to do me the honours of his new Museo Civico on the Acquasola, to present me with various scarce reptiles in spirits, and to furnish me with a great deal of valuable information on all my favourite branches of zoo- logy. The chief treasures of the European ornithological collection in the above-mentioned Museum are the following — a fine specimen of Falco eleanora, killed near Genoa, many rare Buntings (e. g. Emberiza pityornis, E. aureola, E. pusilla, E. lesbia, E. casia) , Turclus fuscatus, Merops per- sicus, Erythrosterna parva, Actiturus bartramius, Francolinus vulgaris, and, last (though not least) , that great prize of the Mediterranean Larus audouini. With the exception of the Francolin, all these birds were obtained in Liguria, most of them in the immediate neighbourhood of Genoa ; and more beautifully mounted specimens could hardly be. The Larus audouini was killed near Savona, and is in winter plumage ; there is, I believe, another specimen in the University Mu- seum of Genoa, also obtained in the neighbourhood. The Francolin was obtained by Doria from Sicily, some four or
Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean. 7
five years ago, already stuffed ; and though he (Doria) showed it to me in a rather triumphant manner, as a proof that my theory of the extinction of the species was incorrect, I can hardly admit it as such proof, as he knew nothing of the date of its capture. I may here mention, on this favourite sub- ject, that in leaving England I had proposed to visit the island of Cyprus, expressly to see the Francolins in their native haunts ; but I was prevented from so doing by a va- riety of causes ; and about the birds in Europe, properly so called, I have hardly any thing to add to what has already appeared in this Journal from the pen of my friend Mr. Howard Saunders. Salvadori, in his most interesting work on the ornithological fauna of Italy, which was presented to me by the Marchese Doria, says, it seems to him that Mr. Saunders and I were premature in proclaiming the extinction of the species in Sicily ; and I am perfectly willing and very glad to admit that this is the case, as will be seen from Mr. Saunders^ s papers above mentioned ; but from all that I could learn subsequently in Sicily, not a single specimen has fallen into the hands of any naturalist since 1869 ; and, for many years before that, the occasional rare occuiTcnce of a solitary individual in the old haunts of the species only went to prove that, although strictly speaking not completely extinct, the species was rapidly becoming so ; and in spite of the diligent personal researches of more than one competent naturalist, one could never depend on shooting, or seeing, a Francolin, or even hearing its sonorous cry in its favourite localities, for at all events twenty years past. In the harbour of Genoa were great numbers of Larus leucophaeus , L. ridibundus, L. me- lanocephalus , and some few of Larus canus. I did not see Larus fuscus in adult plumage ; but amongst the many brown- feathered gulls at Genoa I have little doubt that it existed. It is not an uncommon bird in the western portion of the Mediterranean ; but immature specimens are more frequently met with than the adults. In the gardens of the Museo Civico at Genoa, Doria showed me an Eagle alive, which I have no doubt was Aquila rapax ; but the locality whence it came was unfortunately not known. The Museo will soon
8 Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean.
he, under the able care of the Marchese, one of the best- arranged musemns of zoology in the world ; and I am sure that all English naturalists will wish god-speed to an insti- tution so thoroughly well managed, so competently governed, and so delightfully situated as this. I was rather surprised to find our English Grey Partridge {Perdix cinerea) pretty abundant in the market, as, although tolerably common in some parts of the plains and lower hills of northern Italy, I had always thought that it avoided Liguria, in which province I never met with it in my former shooting-rambles. I may perhaps be allowed to say a few words here on the distribu- tion of the four Eui'opean species of Partridge, which is cer- tainly curious, and, I think, not much understood. The Common Redlcg [Caccabis rufa) is the Partridge of Spain from Irun to Tarifa, and from Lisbon to Barcelona. The Barbary Partridge {Caccabis petros a) is found in that country on the Rock of Gibraltar only, no doubt introduced by man from the opposite coast ; this species seems never to quit the Rock, where it is well protected. Within a few miles Caccabis rufa is tolerably abundant, but (I speak under correction) is never seen on the Rock itself. Throughout the Barbary States of the Mediterranean C. petrosa is the common and, I think, the only true Partridge.
To return to Spain, the Grey Partridge is pretty common in some of the north-western provinces, notably in those of Leon and Astui'ias. I met with it sparingly in the Pyrenees of Aragon, and have been informed of its occm'rence as far south as Murcia. There is a tradition of the former existence of C. petrosa in that province, in the neighbourhood of Carta- gena ; but it has now disappeared there, more Francolino- rum in Sicily.
As I have before stated in this Journal, I have never been able to meet with C. saxatilis alive or dead in Spain ; and, as far as I know, there is no tradition of its existence in that country, though it is not uncommon in some parts of Southern France. In the latter country Caccabis rubra and Perdix cinerea are the prevailing species, whilst Caccabis saxatilis (the Bartavelle) is tolerably common in many places suitable
Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean. 9
to its habits, especially the Jura, the Hautes Pyrenees, aud the Alpes Mari times. I do not think it can be called common; in fact no game bird is common in France, except where strictly and artificially preserved ; but I found a fair number of these Bartavelles for sale in the Paris poulterers^ shops in November, which I was informed came principally from the South. In Switzerland the Bartavelle is found sparingly in the mountains ; and I think that the frontiers of that Republic and the State of Baden are about the limit of its northern range. I believe (but here I speak under correction) that the present species is met with throughout the mountains of Southern Germany, the Tyrol, and Styria. I have specimens from the latter province. I am not aware that it is found in the Carpathians, though it is probable that it exists in the eastern portion of that chain. Perdix cinerea is the Partridge of Germany, generally speaking ; I do not know that Caccabis rufa is indigenous in any part of that country, though it has spread into Belgium and some portions of the Netherlands. Returning to Italy, we find C. saxatilis more or less common throughout the Alps and Apennines, becoming more common as we go southwards. C. rufa is found also in many parts of Italy, notably in Tuscany, but decidedly becomes scarce in the southern provinces. I never met with a specimen in the markets of Naples. Perdix cinerea is found in the plains throughout Italy. In the islands of the W. MediteiTanean C. rufa is found in the Balearics, where it is the only species of the family, as I believe is the case in Corsica and Elba. In Sardinia C. petrosa is the only species found, whilst in Sicily, in spite of the assertion of Monsieur Malherbe, no Partridge but C. saxatilis is indigenous ; and I am not aware of the introduction of any other species into that island. In the Ionian Islands, Styria, Dalmatia and throughout European Turkey, C saxatilis {%\\e graca) , and Perdix cinerea are, I believe, the only species ; and I think I am correct in stating that the latter is the Partridge of the Danubian principalities. In European Russia, as far as I can find out, no species of Caccabis is found, whilst, on the other hand, Perdix cinerea is in some places very abundant.
10 Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean.
Pallas, in his ' Zoographia Rosso-Asiatica/ tome ii. p. 79, appears to have considered the three species of Caccabis as only local races, of which three, I suspect, Caccabis graca was his typical form, as in his short diagnosis he does not mention either the black spots below the collar of C. rufa, or the chestnut colour and white spots of C. petrosa. But I must return to the yacht, and can only hope that this long digression about my favourite game birds may be pardoned, and perhaps be of service to some brother ornithologists or sportsmen desiring of making acquaintance with the foreign members of this interesting and, generally speaking, estimable family.
We left Genoa January 30, and with light airs of wind got into the splendid Bay of Spezia early in the afternoon of the next day. We remained there, enjoying the matchless beauty of the scenery, with fine weather, till February 3, when we sailed for Leghorn. Great numbers of Gulls, principally L. ridibundus and L. melanocejihalus , frequent the Bay of Spezia, with some L. leucophaus, a few L. canus ; and I also distinctly made out one Rissa tridactyla, which, as far as my obser- vation goes, is by no means a common bird on the Mediter- ranean coasts. We got into Leghorn about daylight, Feb- ruary 4, and immediately drove off to Pisa, some ten or twelve miles. On the way I noticed the following species of birds — Falco tinnunculus, Corvus frugilegus, Passer italic, Fringilla chloris, F. carduelis, F. ccelebs, Motacilla alba, Anthus ?, Galerita cristata, Columba cenas, and an Ardea, at a great distance, which looked very white in the bright sun- light, but may have been A. cinerea.
At Pisa I had, unfortunately, no time to visit the Museum, but, amidst the many attractions of that beautiful city, did not forget to pay my humble tribute of respect at the tomb of Paoli Savi, in the Campo Santo. We left Leghorn the next morning at daylight for Naples, with a very light northerly wind, which carried us about six miles on our course, and left us becalmed till about 1 p.m., when a delightful breeze crept up to us from N.N.W., and we span along at from seven to eleven knots till about 10a.m., February 6, when it fell calm
Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean. 11
again till 1 p.m^ when we got the same breeze till midnight; it then left us rolling in a calm, with a very heavy swell oflf the westernmost point of the island of Ischia. With occasional light puffs of wind we crept into the port of Naples about 4 P.M., February 7. Except the Gulls above mentioned, the only birds seen during this ru.n were two flocks of some small species of Tringa coming from the westward, some fifteen miles from the Italian coast, many Shearwaters {Puffinus kuhli and P. yelkouan), and one Razor-bill {Alca torda). Just south of Ischia we saw a very large Seal, and a large Ce- tacean, probably a Thrasher, which for a long time kept lash- ing the water with its tail, making the spray fly to a great height with a report like the discharge of a small field-gim.
We remained at Naples till March 4, being detained by the loss of our rudder in a sudden furious squaU of wind, which caused the yacht to drag her anchor and go stern on to the Mole, fortunately sustaining no greater damage than the loss above mentioned ; but the weather generally speaking was so bad, wet and cold, that, as the shipwright worked in the open aii*, the new rudder took a long time making. The officials of the dockyard sent me in a longish bill, but showed me every attention and civility; and as we were most cordially and hospitably received in the house of a relative, our time passed quickly away in spite of constant bad weather and the contretemps just mentioned.
In the market of Naples I saw the following species of birds — Common Jay, Chaffinch, Serin Finch, Goldfinch, Italian Spar- row, Stonechat, Sky lark, Woodpigeon, GreekPartridge, Barbary Partridge, Grey Partridge, Spotted Crake, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Little Bustard, Black-tailed Godwit, Rufi", Wood- cock, Common Snipe, Jack Snipe, Wild Duck, Pintail, Gad- wall, Shoveller, Teal, Wigeon, Red-headed Pochard, and one Smew. In our drives about the country we noticed very few birds ; I think, besides those mentioned above, we only saw a few common Kestrels, a Sparrow-Hawk or two, some Robins, and now and then a Blue Rock-Thrush. In the garden of the house in which we were living I observed White Wag- tail, Grey Wagtail, Blackbird, Song-Thrush, Chiffchafl",
12 Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean.
Blackcap, Black-headed Warbler, and common Wren. The usual Mediterranean Gulls frequented the harbour in large numbers; and I obtained specimens of Larus canus, L. leucophaus, L. melanoce'phalus , and L. ridibundus ; the first mentioned was decidedly the least common, and the third the most abundant species of Gull during our stay at Naples. The weather, as I have mentioned, was so cold and wet that we were prevented from seeing much of the neighbourhood ; but we went of course to Pozzuoli, Baise, Astroni, Capo di Monte, and from Torre del Annunziata, whither I sent the yacht, to Pompeii.
The lake of Avernus has lost its ancient deadly character ; and we saw many Coots and Dabchicks taking their pleasure thereon, whilst Blackbirds and Robins were whistling gaily in the surrounding copses without the slightest perceptible symptom of approaching asphyxia. I noticed a great many bats flying in the broad sunshine, and succeeded in knocking one down with the carriage-whip, which proved to be a specimen of Vespertilio schreibersi. I distinguished many other species, notably V. murinus, but could not persuade the natives to preserve me specimens of any of this interesting order of animals. I made acquaintance with Prof. G. Palma, of the University, who courteously did me the honours of the Zoological collections belonging to that institution, and also showed me a small private collection at his own house.
The University Museum contains a fair local collection of birds ; but the setting-up and mounting is lamentable, and the ornithological department altogether unworthy of such a city as Naples. Prof. Palma^s collection contains several speci- mens of Larus in various plumages, which completely puzzled me, exhibiting, as they did, many characteristics of both Larus melanocephalus and L. ridibundus. I came very reluc- tantly to the conclusion that they must be hybrids ; but I hope I am wrong, and that our friend Mr. Saunders, who has devoted so much attention to this family, may some day see them and enlighten us. I obtained my principal inform- ation about sport in the southern provinces fi'om Cavaliere Mario Mattino, who is Grand Veneur to the King. He in-
Lord Lilfonrs Cruise in the Mediterranean. 13
formed me that bears still exist in some parts of the Abruzzi, wolves are common in the mountains, foxes swarm. I could obtain no positive information about the lynx. Wild cats and both species of marten are tolerably (or I should, as a game- preserver, perhaps say intolerably) common, otters and badgers less so, wild boars very abundant. The porcupine is gradually becoming scarce ; hares and rabbits exist in the preserved districts. Of the genus Cervus, Cavaliere Mattino seemed to consider that C. capreolus and C. elaphus are indigenous, though the latter is very rare except in the royal preserves, whilst C. dama is, he thinks, decidedly an imported species. Of winged game, strictly speaking. Pheasants having been in- troduced, Caccabis sawatilis, Perdix cinerea, and Coturnix com- munis are the only representatives ; but the numbers of win- ter fowl. Woodcocks, Snipes, and especially Ducks, of many species, are occasionally almost incredible, particularly during this last season, which was exceptionally severe throughout Southern Europe. The King, a few days before our arrival, had killed 180 Ducks to his own gun at Licola; but His ]\Iajesty is a sportsman in the true sense of the word, and fears danger, difficulty, and fatigue as little with the fowling- piece or rifle as with the sword or the more troublesome wea- pons of State policy. He is devoted to shooting of all kinds, but prefers the wilder forms of sport ; and whilst the moun- tains and valleys of Northern Italy ring with his praises as a good fellow and first-class hunter of Ibex and Chamois, even in the languid south, where his fearless and manly qualities are less appreciated, he is universally allowed to be " famoso cacciatore."
We at last left the beautiful Bay of Naples for Messina on the morning of March 7th, and, with light airs of wind, got some miles south of Stromboli by midday of the 9th, when a furious wind met us, blowing directly out of the Straits ; and as the current was also running some eight or ten knots in the same direction, we ran under the lee of the Sicilian land, and brought up in a little sandy bay some five or six miles west of the Faro for the night, and worked into the harbour of Messina by 9 a.m. on the following morning.
14 Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean.
where we remained till the 16th of March, almost entirely confined to our vessel by continual storms of rain, thunder, wind, and snow. I observed some Sandwich Terns {Sterna cantiaca) and the first House-Martins of the season on the 1 2th about the Faro.
We sailed again, March 16th, for Taormina, and anchored in the bay at 1 p.m., seeing on our way several little Gulls [Larus minutus) , some large flocks of Cranes passing north- wards high over head, and a few Purple Herons going in the same direction, and on the rocks about Taormina a few Rock- Doves, Kestrels, a Kingfisher, some Blue Thrushes, and two Black Redstarts. We went on to Catania the next day, seeing nothing remarkable but a flight of ten Vultures crossing to the Italian coast at an immense height up in the clouds. The scenery of the Straits of Messina and the Sicilian coast is magnificent. Etna, which I had only seen before at a dis- tance of some seventy miles, was covered with snow from the summit quite halfway down to the sea ; and the contrast of the dazzling white with the black lava-fields and the nch green of the lower slopes and maritime strip produced a most superb efiect, and put the undeniably beautiful Bay of Naples and Vesuvius quite into the shade. At Catania, a very plea- sant, cheerful, well-built town, with a good market, we re- mained till March the 30th, making many excursions to the Pantani, some very extensive marshes at the mouth of the river Simeto, and another stream which runs into the sea some miles further to the south. These marshes are a com- plete Paradise for the ornithologist, and in the winter afford unrivalled Duck- and Snipe-shooting. They may be easily reached by road from Catania; in fact, within two miles of that town there are fine Snipy-looking meadows and swamps on both sides of the road ; but our usual plan was to get away in the yacht's cutter pretty early in the morning and sail or row off" to the mouth of the small river above men- tioned, where there is a bar with very little water, pull a short distance up the stream to a sort of pothouse kept by the lessee of the fisheries, and there take punts to explore the reed-jungles of the lagoons. Before arriving at the mouth of
Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean. 15
the river, we generally had an interview with large flocks of Ducks of various species, principally common Wild Duck and Mallard, Gargany, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Teal, Red- crested Pochard, Common Pochard, and Wigcon. But as the wind was generally light and did not favour us, we did not succeed in bring many of these to bag. We obtained, however, some fine specimens of Black-headed Gull (L, mela- nocephalus) with complete black head, and one or two Sand- wich Terns, which last was the only species of Sterna we ob- served here. On our first visit to the marshes we found a great many Snipes ; but they were very wild, I was very lame, and the doctor, though he plunged gallantly into the mud and water, was not accustomed to sniping, and our bag was not so full at the end of the day as it might have been. The doctor's Snipe-shooting' rapidly improved ; but unfortu- nately the birds became scarcer every day, till, at the end of time in these " cari luoghi " we had to search diligently to find a Snipe at aU. The same may be said of most of the wading birds, of which at first we found great numbers, such as com- mon Curlew, Whimbrel, possibly Slender-billed Curlew, Pewit, Golden Plover, Avocet (never abundant), Oyster- catcher, Black-winged Stilt, Greenshank, Marsh-Sandpiper, Dusky Redshank, Common Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Wood-Sandpiper, Rufi" and Reeve, Pygmy Curlew, and Dunlin, all of which we made out positively, and several of which we obtained. Of the Ardeidse, we only met with Ardea cinerea and the common Bittern {Botaurus stellaris), which last is common and breeds in the country. The migratory Herons, with the exception of the Purple {Ardea purpurea), which was constantly passing but did not appear to rest in the marshes, had not yet arrived in force; and, besides those above mentioned, we only saw two Little Egrets {Egretta garzetta) . The lagoons swarmed with Coots {Fulica atra) ; and we constantly heard, but on one occasion only obtained a fleeting glimpse of, the Purple Waterhen {Porphyria vete- rum) . This bird is by no means rare in these marshes, but seldom appears in the open water, and haunts the highest and strongest reed-brakes, where it is always difficult, and often
IG Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean.
impossible, to shove a boat along. I found one nest of this bird exaetly resembling, and not conspicuously larger than, that of our common Waterhen [Gallinula chloropus), which is extremely abundant here. This nest was placed on the water in a thick mass of growing flags, and contained one egg; this was on March 31st. The Spotted, Baillon's, and Little Crakes are all common, the former very abundant ; and we also found several Water- Rails {Rallus aquaticus) . Besides the Ducks above mentioned, I observed the White-eyed Po- chard {Fuligula nyroca) in great numbers, and shot several specimens ; and Gadwalls and Shovellers were also pretty common. I have no doubt that Anas boschas, A. clypeata, A. strepera, Branta rufina, and Fuligula nyroca breed in these marshes, possibly also Anas querquedula, and a species which I had forgotten, but may mention as tolerably com- mon, viz. the White-headed Duck {Erismatura mersa). I was surprised at the paucity of Raptores ; with the exception of one common Kite and a few Kestrels, we saw nothing but Harriers. And another surprising fact was that we did not see a single Podiceps of any species, though the whole of the district is apparently admirably suited to their habits and swarming with fish — grey mullet, tench, and eels. To return to terra firma, the most conspicuous bird was the common Magpie, which is very abundant, and breeds all over the country, high and low. We now and then saw and heard a Raven. Some Hooded Crows {Corvus comix) frequented the sandhills which extend from Catania between the marshes and the sea for many miles ; and the Jackdaw is very abun- dant. The common Jay {Garrulus glandarius) is found in the wooded portions of Etna (I observed it near Nicolosi) . We saw a few common Kingfishers [Alcedo ispida) on the banks of the rivers ; the Swallow tribe were increasing in numbers every day ; we saw all the common European species of this family, the great arrival of the common Swallow and Alpine Swift occurring on the same day, viz. March 24th. I feel no doubt in my own mind that on that day I also saw more than one of the eastern Chimney- Swallow {Hirundo rufula); but as we were in a carriage and our guns
Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean. \7
in their covers, we did not obtain a specimen ; and I do not like to record the occurrence of a species so similar to the common Swallow as a positive fact, though the bird is by no means uncommon on passage in several parts of Sicily. Cotyle rupestris I saw in the craters of the Monte Rossi, above Nicolosi ; C. riparia was the least common of the family. I noticed many Blackbirds and Song-Thrushes on the skirts of the marshes ; and Black Redstarts are common and resident in all suitable localities. The reed-brakes and swamps teem with Warblers, amongst which Cetti's Warbler is conspicuous by his thrilling note ; I recognized also the song of Savi's Warbler [Calamodyta luscinioides) , oxnr common Reed- and Sedge- Warblers (C. arundinacea and C . phragmitis) . Cisti- cola schoenicola is very abundant ; and in the dense jungle of the Pantani there were at least three other species, probably Calamodyta aquatica, C. melanopogon, and another which I had never heard and, I think, never seen before ; but I must here make a sad ornithological confession, and state that whilst exploring these marshes I was always on the special look-out for Porphyrio veterum, and my gun was loaded with large shot, so that I fired at nothing smaller than the Duck tribe. The above-mentioned Warblers, with the exception of C. schcBnicola, frequent the dense beds of reeds and flags in some five or six feet of water and mud, whilst Sylvia atricapilla was common amongst the brambles of the dryer portions of the marsh. ^S^. melanocephala I noticed in the Zoological Gardens of Catania, where it was evidently nesting in the shrubberies ; and this, I think, brings me to an end of the family. I may state that all the above-mentioned Sylviidae and many other species are recorded from Sicily by various authors ; and a more suitable home for them than the Pantani could hardly be imagined. In the market of Catania I met with no birds that I did not see alive out in the country. Calandra Larks, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, and Serins are the favourite song-birds, and Passer salicicola the only Sparrow we met with.
We drove out to the famous lake of Lentini, about fifteen miles from Catania, on 23rd March. This is a fine sheet of
SER. III. VOL. V. c
18 Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean.
water^ I should say, perhaps, twelve or fifteen miles in length, by some five in breadth in the widest part, is surrounded by good Snipe-marshes and thick reed-brakes. Its whole surface, as far as the eye could reach, was thickly dotted with birds, principally Coots {Fulica atra) ; but there were also many Ducks of the various species above mentioned ; and here I met with the common Starling [Sturnus vulgaris) for the first and only time in Sicily. We found a sprinkling of Snipes, but they were exceedingly wild. I saw a large Soli- tary Snipe here, and the doctor afterwards killed one of this species at the Pantani ; but it was not yet as common as it becomes in these regions on passage later in the spring.
We sailed from Catania on March 30th, ran down to the mouth of the river, and went ashore to shoot in the Pantani. On this occasion some of my crew killed about thirty snakes, principally Tropidonotus natrix, and a few of the fine dark variety of Zamenis atrovirens, known as Z. carbonaria. We laid ofi" the mouth of the river in a dead calm all night, and, landing early to shoot, sent the yacht round to Agosta. After a long and rather profitless day on the Pantani, we hired mules and rode over an undulating fertile country to Lentini, about seven miles ; and after an immense amount of bargaining and expostulations with our muleteers and a crowd of filthy and rapacious ruffians in a dirty locanda, and a meal of cold tench, we at length procured a carriage, and drove through a beautiful country with a brilliant moon eighteen miles to Agosta, where we arrived about midnight, and got on board the yacht just as our cutter (which we had left at the Pantani, to find its way round to Agosta) hove in sight. Agosta is a ruinous, wretched town ; but the bay is very fine, and might be made into one of the best harbours in the Mediterranean by erecting a breakwater on the Hybla shoal.
We sailed at about 11 the next morning for Syracuse, and with a light breeze ahead beat into that port at about 4 P.M. An interpreter came off to us as soon as we had obtained pratique, and was not a little astonished at my telling him to send out the youth of Syracuse to collect bats, snakes, and lizards for me. He, however, complied with my
Lord Lilford's Ci'uise in the Mediterranean. 19
directions^ with considerable result, as will be seen further on. We spent the next day in visiting some of the many lions of Syracuse, viz. : — the Fountain of Arethusa, now frequented by vulgar Domestic Ducks and some common Water-hens ; the Museo, where a large collection of very interesting antiquities are piled together in such confusion that it is impossible to examine them. Here we saw the beautiful Venus of Syra- cuse, which rivals, in my opinion, the best representations of the irresistible goddess that I have seen, and is yet but little known or spoken of in Western Europe. From the Museo we went to see a poor collection of stuffed birds at the Gabi- netto, the most remarkable thing there being a specimen of the Nutcracker [Nucifraga caryocatactes) , which the Curator assured me was killed in the neighbourhood. We afterwards drove out to see the quarries from which the stone was taken for the building of the four cities which composed the ancient Syracuse, and were much interested. The whole neighbour- hood of Syracuse is pierced with galleries, tunnels, and tombs, and quarries of enormous extent. A great deal has been done in the way of exploration ; but a very great deal more remains to be done, as the ground occupied by the ancient cities extends over an area of some fifteen or twenty miles. We made many excursions to various points in the vicinity, all full of interest to the most unlearned, and to an antiquarian, I should say, almost unrivalled. The natives of this corner of Sicily, though heavily taxed and wretched enough, are not such shameless and rapacious beggars and liars as about Messina and Catania; nor have they taken to highway rob- bery and murder, as is the case in the western and central parts of the island.
We of course took a boat up the Anapo, and by dint of towing, punting, pushing, and a good deal of objurgation on the part of our boatmen, succeeded in arriving at the famous fountain of Cyane, the source of the Anapo, where Proserpine is said to have made her final exit from the air above. The far-famed river is a small stream, densely choked with aquatic vegetation ; the most interesting vegetable production is the papyrus, which grows in great luxuriance and is extremely
20 Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean.
graceful. I believe I am correct in saying that this is the only spot in Europe in which this famous plant is now found. There are fine Snipe-marshes on both sides of the river; but these birds had all but left the country, and we only saw some three or four. The usual marsh-birds were apparently com- mon; but we saw nothing here which we had not previously met with in the Pantani. We found several nests of common Magpie in the papyrus, which in some places grows to a height of twelve feet or more. I had always heard great accounts of the Snipe and wild-fowl shooting in these marshes, and can well imagine it must be excellent at the right times of year ; but there is nothing like the extent of the Pantani, and four good walkers who did not mind wet and dirt could, I should say, easily work the practicable portions of the marsh in a winter^s day.
Our Syracusan zoological parties began to drop in after two or three days, and brought off many bats and lizards and snakes ; of the former I should say that we had, one morning, at least five hundred brought on board alive, in a tall basket. I put on a glove, pulled them out by handfuls, and found that the prevalent species was Vespertilio schreibersi ; the three or four European Rhinolophi were also common, but (according to the collectors) frequent a cave or caves apart from V. schreibersi ; only one V. murinus appeared, and a stray V. kuhli or two ; and I think one V. megapodius com- pletes the list of species. I selected a fair series of each species, and threw the remainder up into the air from the yacht^s deck. Some flew on board the vessels in harbour, particularly into the paddle-boxes of the war-steamer 'Tripoli,' whose Captain told me he was afraid that when he went to sea his paddles would destroy the nests of these bats !
During our stay at Syracuse the spring migrants were arriving in great numbers, the most conspicuous being Little Kestrels [Falco cenchris), Hoopoes {Upupa epops), Alpine Swifts [Cypselus melba), common Swifts {Cypselus apus), and immense flocks of Yellow Wagtails [Budytes flavus, Linn.) ; with these last were a few of the Black-headed Wagtail (6. melanocephalus) , which I am more than ever inclined to con- sider a good species.
Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean. 21
A good spot for bird-collecting is the marshy ground about the saltworks on the western side of the bay, to the south of the Anapo ; here we obtained many specimens of the Little Ringed Plover {^gialitis minor), Wood-Sandpiper {Totanus glareola), Red-throated Pipit {Anthus cervinus), and other birds. We were induced by the report of the arrival of Quails to make one or two expeditions in search of them ; but we only found a few scattered birds, which had win- tered in the country, and are known as '^ Paesane." Here I may observe that I have often been surprised to see the occurrence of Quails in England and other parts of Europe during the winter months recorded in the Natural- History columns of the ' Field ' and other publications as a remarkable fact, whilst from my own experience I have noticed that wherever there is a considerable arrival of Quails on their spring migration, some, and in certain cases a good number, will remain through the winter. This is certainly the case on my own property near Preston, in Lancashire, in parts of the Cambridgeshire and Norfolk fen-country, in Spain, Italy, Tunis, and Epirus, as also iu many parts of Ireland.
To return to Sicily, there is a good Snipe-marsh some seven or eight miles off beyond the Scala Grecca, between the road to Catania and the sea ; but, as I have before said, these birds were becoming very scarce, and we shot but few of them. I could not discover that any of the natives were acquainted with the Hemipode [Turnix sylvatica), though specimens are in the Gabinetto of Syracuse, with a local name, and in some of the southern portions of Sicily it is more common than in any other part of Europe. I was much amused one evening by watching the arrival of countless thousands of Spanish Sparrows {Passer salicicola) to roost in a thick grove of young orange-trees, not far from the Roman amphitheatre ; they came dropping in, in flights of from a dozen to perhaps two or three hundred, from all points of the compass, and made a most deafening uproar, which was at once quelled for perhaps half a minute by the crack of our driver^s whip, and by the sudden dash of a Sparrow-Hawk into the midst of them; I could not see with what result. This species and the Rock-
22 Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean.
Sparrow [Pyrgita petronia) were the only Sparrows we met •with in Sicily.
We remained weather-bound at Syracuse till April 16th, when we sailed for Malta, where we arrived about 3 p.m. on the 17th, seeing a good many migrating birds on our way, viz. one Roller, many House-Swallows, Yellow AVagtails, Turtle Doves (one of which rested on board for some hours), common Cranes, common Herons, and a few Little Egrets. At Malta, where we remained till May 7th, I had the great pleasure of making the acquaintance of a frequent contri- butor to ' The Ibis,' Mr. C. A. Wright, with whom I had several most interestiDg zoological conversations, and in whose company I visited the very curious ruins in Gozo.
Malta, though it affords apparently few attractions to an ornithologist, is by no means in reality a barren field for him, as Mr. Wright has abundantly proved. Almost every un- happy tired straggler from the vast flocks of migratory birds that seeks a temporary resting-place under British protection, is immediately shot or bullied to death, and comes eventually into the market. The only birds I saw at liberty in one or two excursions in Malta, and on the occasion of our visit to Gozo, were one Osprey, a Marsh-Harrier, a few Collared Fly- catchers, Black-headed Warblers, Short-toed Larks, common Buntings, House-Swallows, Swifts, Herring-Gulls (one adult). Lesser Black-backed Gull, and many Shearwaters. I may, however, mention that my excursions were very few, as I was kept to my vessel by a fresh attack of gout, during which I received every courtesy aud attention possible from all my acquaintances and official friends in Malta. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit Mr. Wright's collection, one of the most interesting local museums I ever saw : almost every rare specimen has a history ; and the owner has such a pleasant way of imparting his varied stores of information on his favourite subjects, that a visit to his collection is a real zoolo- gical recreation. He, Mr. Wright, has given us such full details of the ornithology of Malta in this Journal, that I will only say that I saw his specimens of Falco eleanora, Actiturus bartramius, the new European Chat Saxicola leucopyga, and
Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean. 23
many other species. From the market I obtained common Hobby, Orange-legged Falcon, Little Kestrel, Scops Owl, Common Cuckoo (some of this species in the red plumage), Bee-eater, Common Nightjar, Rock-Thrush, Russet Wheat- ear, and a few other common birds. The Quails were drop- ping in, but I did not hear of any very remarkable arrival during our stay, though I believe the vernal migration of this species was this year very exceptionally abundant throughout the south of Europe. A considerable number of Solitary Snipes [Gallinago major) were shot in Malta during our stay ; and I heard from a Neapolitan friend that he had killed many more than usual of this species in May in the marshes near Psestum.
We left Malta Harbour about mid-day. May 7th, for Palermo, and carried a fine ten- knot breeze from the east- ward till after dark, when we were off the Sicilian coast, between Alicata and Girgenti. The wind then suddenly flew round to W.N.W., and freshened into a gale, against which we beat for some hours, without making much way ; so, about 3 A.M. on the morning of May 8th, we made up our minds to try the other way round, and ran along in smooth water under the Sicilian land, till sunset left us becalmed off Taormina. We made but little way through the night, but got a light air soon after daybreak, which took us up abreast of Messina, whither we sent a boat for provisions, and lay off and on, waiting for the flying squadron under Admiral Randolph, who left Malta a few hours after us, and had kindly promised to give us a tow in case of need. The ships came up under easy steam about 3 p.m. ; and the ' Topaze ' towed us out through the Straits, and cast us off at 6 p.m. We found a heavy swell and hardly any wind outside, and passed a very uncomfortable night. At daylight we were off Volcano, one of the Lipari Islands, with the squadron hull down ahead of us. We at last got a fair breeze, about noon; and the squadron having stopped steaming and made sail, we over- hauled them about 4 p.m., ran between their lines, and got into Palermo about 9 p.m. ; very dark and torrents of rain. We remained at Palermo till May 15th. The weather during
24 Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean.
our stay being generally squally, wet, and cold, we could not do much; but I visited the University Museum, and made the acquaintance of Professor Doderlein, who gave me a great deal of interesting ornithological information. The local collections are very interesting; and here I had the pleasure of seeing three fine adult specimens of Larus audouini, all killed near Palermo, and four genuine Sicilian specimens of my retiring friend the Francolin, killed at various times, but all before 1870.
Professor Doderlein had lately returned from a visit to the Island of Pantellaria, where he found Sylvia sarda in great abundance. I believe, from information obtained from the Pro- fessor, that Sicily is certainly the headquarters of the Hemi- pode {Turnix sylvatica) in Europe, as he told me, and states in his recently published work on the ornithology of Sicily, that he had often shot from ten to fifteen specimens in one day in the neighbourhood of Alicata, Girgenti, and Sciacca. I certainly never heard of a similar abundance in any part of Spain.
We left Palermo May 15th, and had a rough and baffling passage to Cagliari, where we arrived on the morning of May 18th. A great many birds visited us on the 17th. At one time on that day we had a Woodchat {Lanius rufus), a Swift [Cypselus apus), a Wheatear [Saxicola oenanthe) , a Wood- Warbler {Phyllopneuste sibilatrix) , several Garden- Warblers {Sylvia hortensis), a Redstart {Ruticilla phceni- cura), a few Turtle Doves, one Martin {Hirundo urbica) and some dozen Swallows {Hirundo rustica), all on board together. The Doves were decidedly the most weary of the party. I examined the Swallows very closely in hopes of finding Hirundo rufula, but without success, which I do not regret, as my feelings would have been very mixed between the wish to preserve a rare bird and the cruel want of hospitality to a tired and defenceless traveller, who claimed British pro- tection on the high seas.
Cagliari, a place dear to my memory from the excellent snort I have enjoyed in its immediate neighbourhood, looked
Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean. 25
much as it did in 1862, on the occasion of my last visit to Sardinia, in spite of the talk one hears in Italy about the progress and increasing civilization of the island, the accom- plished fact of a railroad, &c. Our good friends the Sards seemed to us very much in the same state as twelve years ago ; and I was glad to find their extreme civility and hospi- tality unchanged. It was refreshing to be able to walk about the town and drive into the country unmolested, after our experience of the ruffianly swarms of rapacious beggars of Naples, and more especially of Messina and Catania, and without any fear of the brigands who infest the western parts of Sicily. I have found the Sards of all classes most courteous to strangers, and experienced hospitality from them not surpassed even in the wilder portions of beloved Spain. Of course our first visit was to the Great Stagno or Lagoon, just to the westward of the town. The water was very low, and we could not get far in the yacht's cutter ; so with some difficulty we landed on the large island nearest to the town, shot a few birds, and saw a good many others — Marsh-Harriers in great abundance, Kestrels, Rose-breasted Shrike, Hoopoe, many of the commoner Hirundines, abun- dance of Warblers {Sylvia melanocephala, S. cinerea, S. cisti- cola, Philomela luscinia, S. subqlpina), Calandra and Short- toed Larks, Stonechat, Common Bunting, Turtle Dove, Thick- knee, some small Waders which we could not distinguish. Common Quails, Coots [Larus leucophceus) , Sandwich Terns, and a few young Cormorants {Phalacrocorax carbo) . I met at the passage into the Stagno from the sea an old friend, one Antonio Fanni, who had been ray guide in my shooting- expeditions on many former occasions ; and we arranged with him to take us into the heart of the lagoons the next day. We were delayed by visitors in the morning ; and it blew so hard that we could do but little. We went right away to the far north-west corner of the lagoon, and for some distance up a very birdy river. We got quite close to a Black Vulture, who was busily engaged on a dead horse. I gave him both barrels at some fifteen yards ; but he seemed rather to take my salute as a compliment, and I only got a
26 Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean.
cloud of feathers iu my face for my pains ; and unsavoury feathers they were. We saw a solitary Flamingo, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, a good many common "Wild Ducks {Anas boschas), and some Red-crested Pochards [Branta rufina), besides the species enumerated above, also many Hooded Crows {Corvus comix), of which bird we found several nests in the low tamarisks by the river-side ; one of these nests contained two callow young, which we carried off, and one of which is, at the time of writing this, in the Regent's Park Zoological Gardens. On the 22nd May Antonio took me to some flat islets in a diflerent part of the stagno, on which we found common Terns {Sterna fluviatilis) breeding in great numbers, and collected many of their eggs. The Sandwich Tern {Sterna cantiaca) and Little Tern {Sterna minuta) were quite as abundant as the first-named species; but we only found one nest of S. minuta, and none of Sterna cantiaca. A great number of Ducks {Anas boschas) breed in these islets ; and we found many of their nests with eggs, and in two instances young birds which had just left the shell. We found also one nest of JEffialitis cantiana, several recently hatched Coots, and common Waterhens ij}allinula chloropus) , saw Osprey, a large Falcon, and a great number of Red-crested Pochards, which were in large flocks, and apparently had not com- menced nesting. I secured beautiful specimens of the three species of Sterna above mentioned, a pair of Kentish Plovers, and two very fine adult Herring-Gulls {Larus leucopheeus) , but did not succeed in bagging the only individual of Hydro- chelidon fissipes which we met with ; nor could I get a shot at the Red-crested Pochards, which appeared wary to an extent uncommon even in their wide-awake family. The nests of Kentish Plover and Little Tern were out on the green scum weed which covers the semiliquid mud round these islets, whilst those of the common Tern were on terra jirma on bare spots amongst the scrubby vegetation with which they are thickly overgrown. We saw one Flamingo only, probably the same individual before observed.
We sailed for Port Mahon on the 23rd of May, but met a
Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean. 27
very strong head wind and heavy sea^ so ran back and an- chored again in the north-west corner of the Bay of Cagliari, where we rolled heavily all night, and sailed at daybreak on the 24th, with light puffs of wind from all quarters, and a beautiful bright sunny morning. On rounding Cape Sparti- vento we met a fresh contrary breeze, so ran in and anchored in smooth water close to the Isola Rossa, in the Bay of Teu- lada, where we found a Neapolitan brigantine weather-bound, full of passengers for Bona and Algiers. About the island, which is perhaps barely a mile in circumference, and over- grown with thick scrub, except on the north-eastern side, where it is precipitous, we noticed a great number of Shags (Carbo desmaresti), a Falcon, some Kestrels, myriads of Alpine and common Swifts, and a good many Rock-Doves ; but it was Sunday, and we waited anxiously for morning. During the night I heard strange moaning sounds from the rocky end of the island, which I was inclined to think pro- ceeded from seals; but I afterwards found that they were caused by the conversation of Shearwaters [Puffinus cinereus), of which birds we had seen many as we came round from Cagliari, but none in the immediate vicinity of the island. The next morning we were astir at daybreak, got our anchor ; and whilst the yacht stood off and on, the doctor and I went off in the cutter to explore the island. We landed the doctor and one of the crew ; and I cruised round under the rocks in the boat. The sea was positively alive with Shags, old and young ; but I did not observe a single specimen of the Cor- morant, which is common and breeds near Cagliari. Every now and then a small party of Rock-Doves would dash past us, or out of some crevice in the rocks, and give me a real sporting shot. The Shags, many of which were unable to fly, gave us some long chases ; but though I might have shot a great number, and did bag as many specimens as I required, we could not succeed in hunting down a young one alive. We saw a few still in their nests ; but although two of om* crew managed to get within a few feet of them, they could not get quite at them, and the youngsters refused to move. In the crevices of the rocks on the north side of the island a
28 Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean.
vast quantity of Alpine Swifts were breeding, in company with many of the common species. I discovered a nest of the Rock-Martin attached to a flat face of rock, some thirty feet above the water. I secured the male bird, but, as I could not get the nest without destroying it and its con- tents, I left the hen bird sitting upon it in peace. A few pairs of Herring-Gulls sailed high above us in circles, barking and screaming ; a pair of Blue Rock-Thrushes had their nest in a quiet creek on the eastern side ; and we saw a few common Kestrels, one of which I brought down, as he gave me a snap shot, fondly hoping that he was Falco eleanorce, as he looked so dark in the early sunlight. The doctor shot a very young specimen of Falco barbarus, and a few Rock-Doves, and found one rotten egg of Shag, and another of Herring-Gull in the same condition. The man who accompanied him about the island told me that he saw a very few small dark-coloured birds about the scrubby bushes, probably Pyrophthalma mela- nocephala, possibly Sylvia sarda, but they did not bag one.
We went off to the yacht about 8 a.m., and stood away for Port Mahon ; but as on rounding Cape Teulada we met light head breezes, we bore away for the Island of Vacca, which lies a few miles to the south-east of Cape Sperone, and upon which my friend Mr. Basil Brooke had met with Falco elea- nor<B in large numbers in May 1873. This island is perhaps something less than a mile in circumference, more or less precipitous all round — though accessible in a few spots on the eastern side in calm weather, rising to a high point at its southern extremity — and composed, according to La Marmora (Voyage en Sardaigne, troisieme partie, Descr. geologique, tome i. p. 537), of a volcanic conglomerate, very much fretted and weather-worn, particularly at the southern end, where the cliff overhangs a shallow cave of considerable height, with an irregular perpendicular fissure. Having but little wind, we did not get within a mile of the island till about 4 P.M., when we brought the yacht up, head to windward, and went off in the cutter to explore the eastern side. Long before we went off I had distinctly made out Falco eleanor(B in large numbers, many Gulls, Rock-Doves, Swifts, and
Lord Lilford^s Cruise in the Mediterranean. 29
Shags, the latter birds forming a sort of fringe to the little rock called Vitello (the calf), some hundred yards to the north-east of Vacca, and connected with it by a reef of rocks just awash, with two or three channels through them prac- ticable for a boat. We landed the doctor and one of our boat's crew in a cleft of the eastern side, which extends at a very acute angle from the sea to the summit. We soon bagged four specimens of Falco eleanora, which, though they flew high, were not particularly wary. I very much regret that, owing to our feeble climbing-power, we lost three or four more of this beautiful and singular species. Several of the Greater Shearwater were caught on their single e^^, under the masses of debris in the aforesaid cleft ; and I had some fun with the Rock-Doves, of which we saw great numbers. The common Smfts also were breeding in force amongst the low rocks at the north-eastern end ; and Herring- Gulls and Shags innumerable enlivened the scene, which, in spite of the black and Aveird appearance of the island, was, as will be readily imagined, one of intense interest to an orni- thologist. Dusk came on; and we went off to the yacht delighted with our success, and hoping for more, A large seal {Phoca monacha) showed his smooth shining head once or twice, at a safe distance ; it is not impossible he may have recognized the white ensign from a previous acquaintance with Lord Nelson and his squadron, as the Bay of Palmas (or San Antioco), hard by, was one of our admiral's favourite anchorages.
The wind being still ahead for Port Mahon, we ran into a sandy bay on the western side of the gulf, and anchored for the night in about ten fathoms.
We paid another morning visit to Vacca the next day, leaving the yacht about 6 a.m., and taking with us some volunteers of the crew to explore the island. We only shot one of the Falcons ; but the men brought off several dozens of the eggs of the Herring-Gull [Larus leucophceus) , and seven Cinereous Shearwaters with twelve eggs. We had seen vast numbers of this species on the water on our way to Vacca in the morning, with a good many of the smaller species, biit
30 Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean.
could not succeed in bagging any of them. I shot a fine Raven (one of a pair seen) ; and the men brought off two young Herring-Gulls, and reported many lizards and snakes amongst the coarse grass which covers the summit of the island. An ice-plant, which I believe to be Mesembryanthe- muni crystallinum, grows in profusion amongst the rocks of Vacca, and, though highly ornamental, by no means assists the bird's-nester. The yacht ran down with a light northerly breeze, and picked us up about 9 a.m. ; and away we went to the Island of Toro, some seven miles in a southerly direction. This rock is the spot upon which La Marmora found, and (I believe) first made known Falco eleanorcB by that name, though I have no doubt it was well known to falconers long before his time — though from its habits I consider it very doubtful that it is the species specially protected by a decree of the Pisan Duchess Eleanora, and named after her by the Sardinian general. Toro is of an entirely different geological character from Vacca, La Marmora calls it " une roche eminemment trachytique ; il est totalement nu, k peine trouve- t-on de la chicoree sauvage dans ses nombreuses fissures. La roche est homogene partout, et elle ne repose pas sur le tufa ; elle se decompose a I'air, et elle forme de petites gi'ottes, dont le sol se couvre d^un sable fin feldspathique.^' The author just quoted gives the rock an extreme altitude of 200 metres, and a nautical mile in circumference. The landing is much more difficult than on Vacca, and the ascent from the sea much more steep, though, owing to numerous ledges and the absence of ice-plant, perhaps not so risky. Here we found the Falco eleaonra in very large numbers, and easier to shoot than on the island first explored.
It is of course impossible to form any thing approaching to an accurate computation of the numbers of any species on the wing; but we agreed that whilst on Vacca there were about sixty or eighty pairs of these Falcons, on Toro there must have been at least three hundred pairs.
A good many Herring-Gulls were nesting about the summit ; and my men, some of whom landed, brought ofi' two young birds in the down. As we lay close off" the rocks in
Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean. 31
the boats, watching for shots at the Falcons, I suddenly heard behind me the cry of a Gull quite new to me, turned sharp round at the sound ; the bird was rather high up, but I knocked him down; he fell on the rocks close to us, but I could not see him as he lay. One of the men jumped out and picked him up ; and judge of my joy, ye Ibises, when I found that he was a beautiful adult Larus audouini (male), in full breeding-plumage !
We had noticed that a small colony of Gulls seemed to have established itself upon the slope of the rock on the eastern side, apart from the main establishment about the summit and western portion ; but as their general appearance was very like that of the Herring-Gull (at a distance), I had not paid any particular attention to them. Now, however, when they took wing at my shot, I noticed that their wings seemed much longer, and now and then the brilliant red bills and dark-coloured legs were conspicuous. I landed one of my men, with particular instructions to search the spot where we had seen these Gulls ; and he very soon came down to the boat with six eggs, varying a good deal in markings, and like those of Larus leucophaeus, but just the size I wished. I had particularly told the finder to bring any of the Herring- Gull's eggs ; but he assured me that he found none, though he searched for a considerable time.
The six eggs above mentioned were in five nests, one of which contained two and the others one respectively. There were several empty nests, but no young birds visible.
In the meantime the parent birds had gone right off to sea in a body of perhaps twenty or thirty, and were coming back to see what we were about, but so cautiously and at such a height that though I fired several shots I could not manage to bring down another specimen. The rest of the men, who had landed and clambered up to the top, reported great num- bers of nests, eggs, and young of Herring- Gull ; but I had told them not to rob them, as we had such a series from Vacca. It was very evident, and a curious fact, that the Audouin^s Gulls had their establishment entirely apart from their con- geners ; and certainly they are naturally much more wary.
32 Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean.
We saw no species of Gull but the two above mentioned, no Rock-Doves, no Swifts, and very few Shags. We were so eager about the Gulls that we neglected the Falcons ; and I only bagged one, a very fine old bird in the sooty plumage. A pair of quite unmistakable Falco harharus had their nest in a cleft of rock near the summit of the island, and flew round, screaming loudly. The contrast between the flight, cry, and habits of the Barbary and Eleanora Falcons was very interesting. The former is a true Peregrine, a very typical representative of the genus Falco, darting high round the rocks like an arrow with an angry chide, and occasionally making a fierce stoop at one of the other species, as if annoyed by their abundance and apparently purposeless wavering flight. We remained about this part of Sardinia till the morning of May 30th, and paid other visits to Vacca and Toro, obtaining two more specimens of Audouin^s Gull, with five more eggs, all hard sat and very difficult to blow.
We secured altogether fifteen specimens of Falco eleanoree (the greater number of which were males) in all their various stages of plumage. I consider these Falcons emi- nently crepuscular. They have all the wing-power of their near relation the Common Hobby, though in spite of the wonderful ease and rapidity of their evolutions there is, to the eye of a falconer, something soft and unfalconlike in their habits and general appearance, their very full, dark, liquid eye (so different from the piercing optics of F. pere- grinus), their weak legs and claws, and their extravagantly long wings and tails. With one exception, the crops of all of them contained notliing but insects ; and it is worthy of note that whilst the crops of the dark-plumaged birds were crammed with very small black beetles, which swarm upon Vacca, the lighter-plumaged birds appeared to feed more upon dipterous insects, grasshoppers, dragonflies, and, in several instances, small crustaceans. I am no entomologist, and may be mistaken in my definition of these little animals ; but, speaking ignorantly, I should say the Falcons feed, or at all events were feeding when we shot them, almost exclusively upon beetles, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and shrimps. In one
Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean. 33
specimen only did we find a leg of some small bird^ apparently a Wheatear. When I first saw these Hawks flying in and ont of the rocks on Vacca^ and continually uttering their feeble cry, I imagined we were going to reap a rich harvest of their eggs ; but I can state positively that at the time of our visit they had not begun to lay ; and from information given me by some Neapolitan and Genoese coral-fishers of Carlo Forte, who are in the habit of landing on Toro and Vacca to dry their nets and harry the Gulls^ nests, I am of opinion that August and September are their breeding-months. I believe that Lindermayer and Dr. Kriiper found this to be the case in the Cyclades ; and I am strengthened in my opinion by having some years ago received two young of the species in question alive from Mogador, about the middle of October, which still retained a considerable quantity of the nestling- down. The coral-fishers aforesaid, whom we found weather- bound in the Gulf of San Antioco, assured me that September was the month when they found the young birds, and that they were excellent eating.
I may here mention that I bought a living specimen of this Falcon in July last, of Castang in Leadenhall Market, which I deposited in the Zoological Gardens, Regent's Park, where I trust it did not suffer from the late terrible explosion on the canal hard by. This bird came from Mogador ; and besides that locality and Dragonera, oft" the coast of Majorca (mentioned by Mr. Saunders), the Cyclades, Toro, and Vacca, I am informed of another breeding-locality of this Falcon in the Mediterranean, somewhat remote from us, but by no means difficult of access.
The coral-fishers, on my landing among their boats drawn up on the sand close to our anchorage, and inquiring for birds and beasts, brought me two young Gulls alive in the down, which at once struck me as too small even for newly- hatched Herring-Gulls, of which species we had several alive on board the yacht. I asked the owner where he had found them, and he immediately replied " On Toro." " Where- abouts ? " and he proceeded to describe the exact spot, not knowing that we had been there, and said that these were the
SER. III. VOL. V. D
34 Lord Lilford's Cruise in the Mediterranean.
Gulls '' con bccco color di corallo/^ as I firmly believe from their cry, their way of holding themselves, and the bright pink of their bills. For the first three weeks of their life on board I had of course every opportunity of comparing them with the young Larus leucophaeus, and on arriving in England had the pleasure of presenting them to the Zoo- logical Society, in whose gardens I also deposited two of our Herring-Gulls from Vacca.
The general appearance of Larus audouini on the wing is certainly more like that of L. leucophceus than that of any other Gull with which I am acquainted; but the wings seem conspicuously longer, and of course at a short distance the brilliant red bill is a clear distinction. The cry is not so harsh, and more prolonged than that of the latter species.
I subjoin the measurements of a skin of one of my specimens, a male, as taken by Mr. Salvin : — S ■ Total length about 20 inches ; length of tarsus 2*45 ; bill, from gape, 3 ; wing, from carpus to tip, 15"75 ; tail 6 inches.
These islands are very interesting in many ways. My men told me that on Vacca they saw several snakes of various colours (one large black one in pursuit of the only Quail they saw there) and a great variety of lizards; but I could not inspire them with my love for the Reptilia, and the only animals of that order that they brought off to me were some dozens of Gongylus ocellatus. On Toro they said they met with no snakes, but vast numbers of small brilliant gi'eeu lizards (probably Lacerta viridis) , which defied their attempts to capture them. My yacht-master, who landed on Toro Avitli a gun and scrambled up to the top, described a curious-looking bird, which he pursued for some time, and which at last beat him by flying into a cave. From his description, I imagine it must have been a Nightjar, of which species we found the wings at the water's edge on Vacca, the owner probably having been devoured by the Ravens, which had a nest close by. These black robbers also spoiled a good specimen of Falco eleanorce, which fell on a ledge to which we could not get till the day after the bird was shot. We took three young Ravens from the nest, and shot both the parent birds. I saw
Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Glaucidium. 35
Aquila bonellii one day sailing high over Vacca^ and in a short ramble up a little valley near our anchorage in the Gulf of San Antioco observed Circaetus g alliens, Caccabis petrosa, Corvus cor ax, and a few other common birds. On Toro my men found a few large fragments of spherical shell, rusty and weather-eaten.
After this delay we at length reached Port Mahon on the last day of May ; and after a short stay there (during which I had the good fortune to captui-e some specimens of a new lizard on the Isla del Ayre) , we made the the best of our way home via Iviza, Valencia, Barcelona, and Marseilles, at which port we arrived June 21st. At Valencia we spent a long summer day in the fragrant " dehesa," but saw no birds worthy of men- tion. I succeeded in bringing home alive my Gulls, as before mentioned, one of the young Ravens taken on Vacca, one young Hooded Crow from near Cagliari, a Greek Par- tridge [Caccabis saxatilis) which I bought at Syracuse, and two Blue Rock-Thrushes.
It seems to me, on reading over this paper, that I ought to apologize for the frequent use of the first person singular and plural ; and any one who can and will give me a practical suggestion as to how to avoid it shall have my lasting grati- tude, quantum valeat.
II, — Contributions to a History of the Accipitres. The Genus Glaucidium. By R. Bowdler Sharpe, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c., of the Zoological Department, British Museum.
(Plates I., II.)
In the ' Proceedings ' of the Boston Society of Natural His- tory for 1873, Mr. Robert Ridgway gave a review of the genus Glaucidium, which has done more than any previous attempt to clear up this difficult genus. Having myself had occasion recently to study these birds, I found great assistance from Mr. Ridgway^s paper ; but differing in many points from that gentleman, I have been led to place my views before
D 2
3G Mr. R. B. Sharpc on the Genus Glaiicidium,
the ornithological public Avithout delay. In the study of Glaucidium I have not only had the Museum collection at handj but Mr. Salvin most kindly lent the entire series con- tained in the Salvin-Godman collection^ probably the finest existing in any public or private museum in the world. Mr. J. H. Gurney, too, was so good as to look out a series from the Norwicli IVIuscum to examine ; and to the authorities of the latter museum I retiu'n my best thanks, as well as to Mr. Dresser and other friends who have lent me specimens or otherwise assisted me in the preparation of this paper.
To facilitate comparison I propose in the folloAving notes to consider the genus exactly in the same order as jNIr. Ridg- way has done — because in this way we may understand each other's position better, the difficulty consisting in the unequal character of our respective series, the one examined by me being probably better than his as regards neotropical examples, but far inferior to his in those from Northern America. Mr. Ridgway's synopsis includes eight species with two " varie- ties," viz. : — 1. G. 2jasser'mum cum («) xaw passerinum et {b) var. californicum ; 2. G. pumilum ; 3. G. lansbergi ; 4. G. jardiyiii; 5. G.ferruginemn; 6. G. infuscatum cum (a) var. in- fuscatum et {b) var. gnoma ; 7. G. nanuni ; and 8. G. siju. The principal character which divides these species is con- sidered to be the markings of the crown, whether dots or longitudinal streaks. This is a tolerably good character ; but it. is open to an objection which I do not think Mr. Ridgway has fully appreciated — relating to the sequence of the plumages assumed by maturing birds, and also to the rufous colour exhibited by individuals of certain species. Only in one species, G. jnmiilum, does Mr. Riilgway give characters of the young bird ; but, from the I'cmarks there made, I am incliiied to believe that he will coincide with me in my conviction, that, whether the adult birds have dotted or striped heads, the young of most species have a nearly uniform crown, Avith only a few hair-like lines on the forehead. From an exami- nation of nestling or quite young birds, I believe that the uniform croAvn in the young is characteristic of the following species: — 1. Glaucidium pusscrinum ; 2. G. gnoma; 3. G.
Mr. R. B. Sliarpe oh the Genus GUmcidiiim. 37
pumilum; 4. G. griseiceps ; 5. G. nanum ; and in some of the ferruginous birds, of which more hereafter.
None of the above-named species, so far as I know, has any rufous phase ; and it therefore becomes necessary to con- sider very carefully whether there is such a thing as a " normal plumage " and a " rufescent plumage " in a7iy species of G/au- cidium. If there is, it is curious that some species should have it and some not. Nor are we justified in attaching too much importance to the analogy afforded by Scojjs ; fur with this genus Glauciclmm has little affinity, Avhile its close ally, Athene, does not offer any very distinctive phases. But after a long study I have come to the conclusion, that in certain species a rufous phase does exist, while in others it does not. Von Pelzeln and Sclater and Salvin seem to have recognized this fact in their recently published works. The five species before mentioned do not, so far as I can learn, ever have a rufous phase : the females are rather browner, and sometimes become rufous-brown ; but ferruginous specimens never occur. Four species of Mr. Ridgway's remain, viz. : — 6. Glaucidium jardinii; 7. G. lansberyi ; 8. G.ferrugineum; 9. G. itifus- catum, oL var. in.fmcatum, /3 var. gnoma. He treats these all as distinct, allowing two phases only to the bird he calls G.ferrugineum. Messrs. Sclater and Salvin joined them all together as one bird ; but Mr. Salvin having now a larger series of the New-Granadan form, recognizes G. jardinii as distinct. I cannot allow Mr. Ridgway^s G. ferrugineum to rank as a species ; for his series appears to me to consist of the rufous phases of the birds he calls G. infuscatum and G. glioma, and, once allowing that Glaucidium has a rufous phase in any of its representatives, there is no difficulty in believing that G. lansbergi is the rufous phase of G. jardinii. I recog- nize the following species instead of those admitted by Mr. Ridgway : — 1. G. passerinum ; 2. G. gnoma {calif ornicum, Ridgw.) ; 3. G.griseice2}S,s]p.n. ; 4. G. pumilum; 5. G. nanum; 6. G. jardiyiii ; 7. G. ferox {infuscatwn et ferrugineum, pt., Ridgw.), with two subspecies, 8. G. phakenoides and 9. G. ridg- wayi, nob. {ferrugineum ci gnoma, pt., Ridgw.), and 10. G. sigu. The reasons for the change in nomenclature are given in fuller detail below.
38 Mr. R. B. Sliarpe on the Genus Glaucidium.
To consider, therefore, the species in the above order, we commence with the European bird, of which I have a good series before me. The species calls for little remark, as Mr. Ridgway^s characters define it thoroughly : those here given by me are merely for comparison with the others mentioned in this paper. It is, however, very distinct, and is only here introduced on account of the affinity recognized by Mr. Ridg- way between it and his G. calif ornicum.
Glaucidium passerinum.
Characters of the species. — Female decidedly larger than the male, and generally more umber-brown, but ultimately be- coming grey on the back, like the latter. Back thickly mot- tled with bufiy white bars. Upper tail-coverts only slightly rufescent, or darker than the back, but mottled in the same way. Tail regularly banded, the white bars narrow, the in- terspaces umber-brown, more or less inclining to blackish ; white bands on tail, six in the female, seven in the male, the bars sometimes not strictly conterminous. Head always'spot- ted in the adult bird. Sides of upper breast strongly banded with white.
Young with uniform head. The full-grown young much browner than the adult, the spots on the crown scanty.
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tai-sus.
a, S ad. Falun, S. Sweden 6-2 3-85 2-6 0-6
b, ? ad. Stockholm 6-8 4-15 2-8 065
c,[d'l;M2'-* Gardsjo, Sweden (TFAee^W;) 6-2 4-1 27 0-65
d, ad. S. Ural (Strader) 6-2 3-8 2-Q 0-6
Glaucidium gnoma.
Characters of the species. — Back greyish, profusely mottled with spots and bars of ochraceous white. Upper tail-coverts not rufescent, uniform with back, and mottled in exactly the same manner. Tail not transversely banded, but crossed with seven rows of white spots, inclining to half-bands on the inner web. Head distinctly sj)otted all over with white or ochra-
* Though marked a male by the late Mr. Wheelwright, the measure- ments indicate that it is a female, the sex being further showTi bv its brown plumage.
Ibis,ia75.Pi.L
J.G.tCeulematiB, lillv.
GLAUCIDIUM GNOMA.
M^Ntfa-rLhcirt, imp.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Glaucidium. 39
ceous white, as well as a few bars of the latter colour. Sides of upper breast clear brown, thickly mottled with spots and bars of ochraceous buff. A rufous collar round the hind neck.
This species I believe I understand, from the series ex- amined, which is nearly as good as Mr. Ridgway's. I do not consider it so close to G. passerinum as the latter gentleman does, and find its nearest ally in G. griseiceps of Central Ame- rica, and G. pumilum of Brazil. To the latter species it is closely allied, and, like it, has a rufous collaret round the hind neck, below the usual whitish nape-band ; but it is dis- tinguished, when adult, by the spotted character of the upper surface, whereas G. pumilum seems to have the back uniform at all ages. The tails of the two species are also different, the spots in G. pumilum never exceeding four or five, and being much smaller and more rounded. When adult, also, the northern bird has much whiter legs than its Brazilian congener.
Total length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, J imm. Vancouver Island (Lord) . . 6-5 3'o 2-75 0-7
b, ad. „ „ {Heiihurn) 70 3-6 275 0-8
c, imm. N. California (Bnjdyes) 7-0 3-5 27 07
d, ? ad. Mexico (Xe Stranrje) 60 3-5 27 0-65
e, imm. „ „ 6-0 33 2-4 07
fjuv. W. Mexico {Mus. Brit.) 5-8 36 255 07
g. imm. Guatemala (Skinner) 6"5 2*6 07
h. Choctum (O. Salvin) 6-5 3-35 2-55 075
i. „ „ 60 3-3o 2-5 07
k. „ „ 6-5 3-6 2-65 075
Mr. Ridgway says : — "This species is not at all \\\egnoma [i. e. his gnoma), nor, indeed, any other American species with which it has been confounded by nearly all ornithologists — even by Cabanis," &c. &c. In reply to this I must state my conviction that Cabanis and the other ornithologists were right in identifying this bird as Glaucidium gnoma ; and I almost suspect that our author did not consult the original description of Wagler in the ' Isis.' Had he done so, I do not think he could have hesitated to recognize in his G. calif or nicum the true G. gnoma. I transcribe from Wagler's
40 Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Glaucidium,
description tlie following characters, which, to my mind, identify tlie bird intended : — " Pileus, dorsum, tergum, tec- trices alarum superiores ac plumse scapulares cinereo-fusces- centia, albo punctato-(juttata : macvdaj luce yidtiformes in capite pone obscuraj marginatse ; rectrices cinereo-nigri- cantes, subtus pallidiores, fasciolis 7 candidis ; colhtre nuchce obsoletum rvfescens." The italics are mine ; but I maintain that the nature of the spots, which are stated to be rounded and margined with dusky, the seven spots on the tail, and the rufous collar sufficiently point to the bird which INIr. Ridg- way calls G. californicum. There is no mention of a striped head to bring the bii'd within the second section of ]VIr. Ridg- way's synopsis; but its position is distinctly indicated b}'^ the nature of the crown-spots, which are said to be " gutti- formes."
Glaucidium pumilum.
Characters of the species. — I have not seen any specimens in which the sex has been determined ; but there seems to be very little difference in the sexes. Back uniform, with no wdiitish mottlings. Upper tail-coverts uniform with the back. Tail not banded, but having fovir or five rows of rounded white spots, including the terminal one. Head minutely dotted with white. Sides of uptper breast clear rufous, with a few whitish dots. Rufous collar round hind neck.
Young. Similar to the adult, but more cAoco/a/e-brown, the dots on the head nearly obsolete, the crown being there- fore more uniform.
Total length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a,jm. Brazil {Mus. Brit.) 5-8 3-5 215 075
6, ud. S. America {Mus. Brit.) 6-0 3-5 2-2 07
c,ad. „ „ 0-3 3-3 2-2 07
d, ad. Bahia ( Wticherer) 5-5 3-5 2-2 07
e,ad. „ „ 5-8 3-5 22 07
fjuv. „ „ 5-5 3-55 2-25 075
I believe this species to be confined to Brazil, and not to range, as Mr. Ridgway supposes, into Central America, where its place is taken by the next bird. Consequently the two
Ibis 1875.P1.II
\^_ ■/,
.r.CJ-.Kenkjnans.Iith.. ' M&K.Hconhait, imp.
I.GLAUCIDIUM PUMILUM. 2.GI,AUCrDirjM GRTSEIGEPS.
Mr. R. B. Sliarpe on the Genus Glaucidium. 41
specimens from Guatemala in Mr. Ridgway's paper (p. 9S) are G. griseiceps and not G. pumilum.
Glaucidium griskiceps, sp. n.
Characters of the species. — Back uniform^ with no whitish motthngs. Upper tail-coverts uniform with back, but having shglit indications of fulvous mottlings. Tail not banded, but having from five to six rows of small white spots, inclining to bands on the inner web. Head minutely dotted with buflFy white. Sides of upper breast rufous -brown, with very distinct white spots. Slight rufous collar round hind neck.
Young. Head uniform grey, with a fcAV fulvous streaks on
the forehead : tail blackish, with five rows of small ochraceous
spots.
Total length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a,JHv. Veragua {Arch') 5-6 3-4 2-25 0-7
h, ad. Guatemala 5-6 3-55 2-4 07
c, ad. Chisec, Guatemala (O. Salviii) . . 5'5 3'4 2'3o 07
d, ad. Choctnm (O. Salvi7i) 55 3-4 2-3 07
c,ad. „ „ 5-5 3-45 2-25 0-7
fad. „ „ 5-3 3-45 2-2 07
(/,S ad. „ „ 3-5 3-45 2-3 0 7
This new species is allied to G. pumilum, and has been identified with that species by Mr. Ridgway and others, but it difiers in several characters : the tail-bands are five or six, the head at all ages greyish, contrasting forcibly with the back, and the rufous collar is often obsolete or absent; the tail, instead of having large round spots, has white markings of small size and rather inclining to bars ; the whole tone of the plumage is more umber and not so rufous as the Brazilian bird ; and this is especially true of the under surface, where the sides of the breast are conspicuously spotted with white.
This bird represents G. pumilum and G. gnoma in Central America, and is intermediate between the two species ; but there can be no doubt that it is specifically distinct from both.
Glaucidium nanum.
Characters of the species. — Female of decidedly larger bulk than the male, and rather browner. Back everywhere mot-
43 Mr. 11. B. Sharpe on the Genus Glaucidium.
tied with fulvous spots. Upper tail-coverts more rufous than the back, Ijut mottled with fulvous like the latter. J'ail regu- larly and completely banded with rufous and dark brown, with a slight tip of white. Riifous bands on tail* ten in the male, eleven in some females, but ten also in this sex sometimes ; all the bands regular and completely traversing the tail-fea- thers, the rufous ones narrower than the brown interspaces. Head striped or spotted with rufous-buff, as the case may be. Sides of upper breast strongly mottled with Avhitish spots or bars.
Young. Head nearly uniform ashy brown, scantily streaked with ochraceous buff. Tail as in adult. Under surface more clouded Avith ashy brown than in the old bird. The sides of the breast streaked and spotted with rufous buflF.
I do not see any difficulty in understanding the sequence of plumage in this species, which appears to be an orthodox Glaucidium, like G. passerinum. The tail is marked alike at all ages, just as in G. passerinum ; but the head is uniform greyish brown in the young (one of Mr. Salvin^s specimens has not yet got its full-grown tail), with a few streaks on the crown, which are much more strongly developed in the rufous- brown plumage, which I take to be the next stage towards maturity ; and, lastly, these streaks dilate into spots, which are characteristic of the adult stage. As a rule, the rufous tail- bands are narrower than the dark brown ones; but in the typical example, and in another from South America, in the British Museum, they are about equal in breadth. Mr. Kidg- way will see that the fact I have mentioned about this species having both a dotted and a striped head, militates against his primary division.
Total length.
1. ? ad. Rio Negi-o {Hudson) 8-6
2. S ad. „ „ 7-5
3. c? uiJ- Santiago, Cliili (P. S^- L.) .... 73
4. § ad. „ „ „ .... 8-5
* In enumerating these, the base of the feather, which is alwaj's light, is nut counted, but the terminal or subtermiual band is included.
|
Wing. |
Tail. |
Tarsus. |
|
4-4 |
3-2 |
0-95 |
|
3-95 |
30 |
0-85 |
|
3-95 |
30 |
0-85 |
|
4-45 |
3-4 |
0-9 |
Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Glaucidium. 43
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
6. S. America 8-0 3-8o 29 00
G.juv. S. America 7o .3-9 29 0-85
7. Straits of Magellan {King) 7-0 3-85 29 0-9
a $ ad. Prov. Colchagua 7o 40 3-1 005
We have now remaiuing five of Mr. Ridgway's species, as follows: — 6. Glaucidium lansbergi; 7. G.jardinii; 8. G.fer- rugineum ; 9. G. infuscatum, cum (a) var. infuscatum, et [b) var. gnoma ; 10. G. siju. Of the bird which he calls G. lans- bergi, I have seen a good many examples. They all come from Columbia and Venezuela ; and I think Mr. E-idgway did right to quote '^Brazil'' as a habitat with some hesitation,
I have already noted that I consider G. langsbergi and G. jardinii to be the brown and rufous phases of one and the same species, and consequently unite them under the name of G. jardinii. Mr. Ridgway considers that they are specifically distinct, and identifies the brown-plumaged bird as the original G. jardinii. Here, again, he cannot have consulted the ' Comptes Rendus,^ or has mistranslated Bona- parte j for the description points to the rufous bird and not to the brown one : —
" Rufo-chocolatina maculis rufis ; subtus rufescens in pec- tore obscurior, fascia gulari et subalari fusca ; remigibus rectri- cibusque nigro rufoque fasciatis, maculis fascialibus magnis.^^
The italics are here again my own; but the description clearly indicates which bird was intended.
Glaucidium jardinii.
Characters of the species. — Back blackish brown, plentifully varied with spots and bars of ochraceous. Upper tail-coverts uniform with the back and spotted in the same manner. Tail deep black, with six rows of white spots (counting the ter- minal one), not continuous nor approaching near the shaft. Head rather more ashy bro^vn, with large dots of white. Sides of upper breast very dark brown mottled with large fulvous spots and bars.
Young birds are much more chocolate-brown than the adults, and much less mottled on the back, the head being
44 Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Glaucidiura.
nearly uuiform, with a few very narrow shaft-lines of fulvous. The second plumage (or perhaps the adult female) is also rufous- chocolate, mottled all over with fulvous bars, Avhich are also distributed over the crown, where many of them are bleached whitish. The old bird has a spotted head, the dots becommg rounder and smaller with age.
Total length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, ad. Antioquia,NewGranada(»S'a7/Ho«) O'O 3!) 29 0"7
b, ad. New Granada (Mm. Norv.) .... G-5 3-9o 2-8 0-7
c, ad. Rigota {Mus. S. ^- G.) G-7 4-25 2-8 0-85
d,juv. „ „ C)-0 3-8 2-7 0-8
e,Juv. „ {Mus. Brit.) 5-7 4-1 2-G 0-75
f,ad. „ „ 6-0 4-15 275 07
g,ad. „ „ 6-0 40 26 0-7
7i, ad. „ (Mtis. Norv.) Cr5 4-1 27 08
i,ad. „ „ C-o 4-3 27 O-So
k, ad. Columbia „ 64 3-9 2-8 075
I, ad. „ (Mus. Brit.) 6-2 395 2-8 075
m,juv. „ „ 0-5 4-0 2-8 08
Rufom phase. — Back ferruginous, with numerous fulveseent transverse bars more or less concealed. Upjjer tail-coverts exactly similar to the back, and barred in the same manner. Tail ferruginous, with black cross bands, seven in number, but of irregular width and not strictly conterminous. Head rather darker ferruginous than the back, mottled all over with rufous spots or bars. Sides of upper breast bright ferruginous, with narrow blackish bars and spots, causing a distinctly mottled appearance. Under surface of body bright ferruginous, streaked with rufous or rufous-brown, only slightly varied with white on the lower breast.
Young. — Head uniform brown, rather darker than the rest of the upper surface, which, however, is brownish ; the tail cinnamon, with blackish bars, all of which are more or less broken up and connected by a mesial juncture along the shaft.
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, ad. Bogota (Mus. S. ^- G.) 6-0 3-9 26 0-8
b, imm. „ „ 6-3 3-85 27 075
Mr. R. B. Sharpc o)i the Genus Glaucidium. 45
Total length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
c, (id. „ (Mm. Korv.) 6-0 40 20 0-75
d, ad. „ (Mns. Brit.) GO 3-9 2-55
e, imm. New Granada (Mus. Norv.) . . 60 4-3 2-(; 08
/, imm. Columbia ( .V/«s. Norv.) 6-4 4-0 27 0-8
g,imm. Venezuela ( &om?j (7) 10 4*1 30 0-8
The characters of this species are well given by JMr. llidg- way ; but he does not notice one which appears to obtain in all the brown-plumaged birds, viz. the continuance of the black nape-patches in an extended line, so as to form a distinct black collaret. In both the brown and rufous phases the young bird differs in being more uniform above ; but there is no species so distinctly mottled on the upper surface when adult. In Mr. Salvin's collection is a bird which, from its browner plumage, is probably the adu.lt female, answering to this plumage in G. gnoma and G. nanuin. The rufous phases of G. jardinii and G. ferox are very distinct, and ought not to be confounded ; for whereas in the latter the back is nearly uniform, in the former it is very distinctly mottled with bars of clearer rufous : the under surface also is ochraceous, with- out any white beyond the chin and gular patch, and is streaked with rufous instead of white.
Laying aside the question of the Cuban G. siju, I find my- self now confronted by a long array of specimens which, ac- cording to Mr. Ridgway^s synopsis, must belong to tAVO species, viz. : — either Glaucidium ferrvyiaeum, with a "normal"'^ or a " rufescent '' plumage ; or Glaucidium infuscatum, which in- cludes two '' varieties '' (the true G. infuscatum, and a smaller representative form, G. gnoma) . I can scarcely suj)pose that I shall induce Mr. Ridgway to change the mode of nomenclature which has now taken such hold on American ornithologists ; but I much prefer to speak of " races " or '' subspecies " in- stead of "varieties," a variety of a bird being surely one which exhibits white feathers or some such lusus natures.
In the consideration of these two species I propose to ex- amine the series at my disposal according to locality, endea- vouring to identify the species by the light of Mr, Ridgway^s paper. I regret that I have no specimens from the southern
46 Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Glaucidiura.
portion of North America, several having fallen under Mr. Ridgway's notice from those parts.
Mexico. I have nine specimens of Glaucidium from this country, all with striped heads ; and Mr. Ridgway's synopsis will not quite account for all the differences which I see before me. For instance, G.ferrugineum is said to have the tail "dark brown, crossed by 7-9 continuous bauds of bright rufous, about the same width as the brown ones ; " but of all the nine birds there are only three which have a tail answering to this description, and yet they must all be G. ferrugineum ; for not one has the tail of G. infuscatum, " dark brown, crossed by 6-7 non-continuous bands of white, nar- rower than the dark ones.^^ To tabulate the characters of my Mexican examples : —
|
Num- |
Colour |
|||
|
Tail. |
ber of |
of Remarks. |
||
|
bands. |
bands. |
|||
|
a. Orizaba {Mus. Norv.) |
rufous. |
10 |
light Bands narrower than rufous |
|
|
brown. |
interspace and indistinct. |
|||
|
b. Cordova (Salle) |
8 |
Ditto, ditto. |
||
|
c. W. Mexico (Miis. Brit.). . . . |
9 |
brown. |
Bands only a little narrower than interspaces, but more distinct. |
|
|
d, 5 . Mexico {Le Strange) .... |
)} |
8 |
}) |
Bands distinct and regular, but not so broad as inter- |
|
e. Orizaba {Mus. S.8fG.) .... |
>; |
9 |
light brown. |
spaces. The basal bands narrow, but the rest about as broad as interspaces. Bands about equal in width |
|
f. Mexico (ie Strange) |
brown. |
8 |
bleached |
|
|
rufous. |
to interspaces. |
|||
|
g. W. Mexico {Mus. Brit.) .... |
dark |
9 |
bright |
The rufous bands rather |
|
brown. |
rufous. |
narrower than the inter- spaces, and not contin- uous. |
||
|
h, (S . Mexico {Le Strange) .... |
V |
8 |
rufous. |
The bands not continuous, much narrower than inter- spaces, which are washed with brown : terminal bands whitish externally. |
|
i, (S . Cordova (Salle) |
blackish. |
8 |
pale ru- fous or whitish. |
Bands not continuous and much narrower than in- terspaces: many of the bands whitish, with slight rufous tinge. |
Mr. R. B. Sliarpe on the Genus Glaucidium. 47
I think that any one will see a connexion between the rufous-tailed specimens inter se, and again with the black- tailed ones ; and I believe that they must all be referred to one species ; indeed, I do not see how any one can get away from the fact that Mr. Ridgway is right in supposing that two distinct phases are present in the bird he calls G. ferru- gineiim. The rufous on the tails would prevent any of our present series from belonging to G. gnoma ; and yet a great step towards the latter is made by the blackish-tailed speci- men_, where the rufous bands shade into white on their outer web. The black-tailed birds are likewise males and more • grey than the rufous-tailed examples, which are generally of a more rufous shade altogether.
I give the measurements of a few specimens from each locality : —
Total length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, ad. W. Mexico (Mus. Brit.) 7-0 39 2-G 0-85
b, S ad. Cordova (Salle) 6-5 37 27 075
c, $ a(7. „ , 6-5 3-8 2-85 0-8
d, ad. Orizaba (Mus. S. ^ G.) 6-5 3-G5 27 075
e, ad. Mexico (Le Strange) 6-3 37 27 0-85
/, $ «^. „ „ 6-5 375 27 0-85
(j,S (icl „ „ • • 6-5 3-65 27 0-85
Guatemala. A large series has been lent me by Mr. Salvin, which repeat to a great extent the characters of the Mexican series, as can be seen by the following tabulation [see p. 48] .
The rufous-tailed specimens are also more rufous in general coloration ; those with the white tinge to the rufous bars are ' more umber-brown, while those with the white spots ( = G. gnoma, of Ridgway) are much greyer.
Besides the specimens above mentioned, Mr. Salvin has four birds which exhibit a somewhat remarkable jDlumage, being almost uniform rufous, with the exception of a few nearly obsolete bars and spots of brighter rufous on the head ; and these markings exist only in two out of the four examples. The primary quills and tail-feathers, however, are very dif- ferent from those of G. ferrugineum, having no complete bars, but are blackish brown, with a more or less distinct rufous
48
Mr. R. B. Sharpc on the Genus Glaucidium.
|
Num- |
Colour |
|||
|
Tail. |
ber of bniuls. |
of biinde. |
Ri'iiiurkB. |
|
|
(^ ad. ({uatomala {Mat^. lirit.) |
rufous. |
9 |
brown. |
15ands about equal to inter- spaces, narrower near the bases. |
|
h, ad. Dueuas (0. Safoiii) .... |
If |
9 |
light brown. |
Bauds equal to interspaces. |
|
c, ad. „ „ |
deep rufous. |
8 |
brown. |
Bands about equal to, or a little broader than, inter- spaces. |
|
d, ad. VA Paraiso (0. Salviii) . . |
rufous. |
9 |
liglit bi'own, |
Bauds iiuli.stinct and nar- rower than interspaces. Almost obsolete and much |
|
c, ad. „ » • • |
If |
10 |
}f |
|
|
narrower tlum interspaces, l^ands about equal to mter- |
||||
|
/, ad. S. Geroninio (0. Salvin) |
rufous. |
10 |
)f |
|
|
spaces. |
||||
|
ffy ad. „ „ |
M |
9 |
jj |
Ditto ditto. |
|
h, J ad. Volcan de Agua (0. |
ft |
9 |
brown. |
Bands about equal to inter- |
|
Salvifi ) |
sjiaces near tip, narrower and imperfect near base of featliers. |
|||
|
i, ad. Guatemala ( Van Patten) |
V» |
9 |
)f |
Bands about equal to inter- spaces. |
|
Ji, ad. Duenas ( 0. Salvi>i) .... |
ft |
9 |
dark brown. |
Bauds eqiuil to interspacea. |
|
I, 2 c-d- Laguna (0. Salvia) . . |
brownish |
8 |
pure white. |
Doubtless 6^. </noina of Ridgway. |
|
in. Guatemahi [I'an Patten) . . |
dark |
8 |
white |
Interspaces washed with |
|
browu. |
waslied with rufous. |
rufous and broader than crossbands. |
shade, and with a few ochraccoiis spots, larger and more in- clining to bars on two of the feathers. In the absence of any indication by Mr. Ridgway of the young bird of his G.fer- nif/ineum, I mnst suppose these birds to be the immature of that species ; and thus we should have the very yotuig birds with uniform iipper sm-face, the head gradually becoming mottled and spotted and then getting striped in the adult. I am confirmed in this sequence by tlie presence of several s])ots, more or less dilated, among the stripes on the crowns of tiic adults.
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, ad. Laguua (O. Salvin ) 6') 8-9 27 0-85
b, ad. El Paraiso , Go 4-1 27 08
c,ad. „ „ 70 3-9 27o 0-8
Mr. R. B. Sharpo (m the Genus Glaucidium. 19
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
d, ad. Duenaa „ OS 3-55 2G 08
e, 2yMi7. Coban „ 6-0 3-7 2-5 08
f,juv. „ „ 6-0 3-6 20 0-75
ff,Juv. \olca.ndeFuegn(0. Salvin) 0-5 3-55 2-7o 075
ad. Guatemala ( Van Patten) 0-5 3-85 28 0^5
Costa Rica. Quite recently Mr. Whitely, of Woolwich, brought me .six specimens which came out of a collection made in Costa Rica, four of them being ferruginous birds with ru- fous tails, clearly belonging to G. ferruyineura, while one should be referred to Ridgway's G. ynoma. The latter spe- cimen has very evident remains of rufous on the white bars, and is apjiroached by another specimen of more general choco- late-brown shade, the tail deep rufous brown, inclining more or less to blackish, and barred with white, all the bars more or less shaded with rufous. The head has less distinct stripes, and seems to indicate that the bird is a younger male.
In addition to Mr. Whitely^s series, the Museum possesses another Costa- Rican specimen, which has a rufous-brown tail crossed with eight bands of pale rufous bleached nearly white on the centre tail-feathers. In the collection of Messrs. Salvin and Godman is a bird obtained by Carmiol in 1869, which closely approaches the cinnamon-coloured specimens from Brazil, and has, like them, a nearly uniform tail. Two of Mr. Whitely^s examples^ however, so closely approach this bird, that I think it is only an extremely rufous specimen of the northern bird, as it still carries remains of bars on the tail.
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, ad. Costa Rica {Mus. Brit.) 6-5 3-8 2-85 07
b,ad. „ „ G-5 375 2-8 07
c,ad. „ „ 6-5 3-a5 2-8 075
d,ad. „ „ 6-5 27 075
e,ad. „ „ 6-5 3-85 27 08
/, ad. (rufous). Costa Rica ( Carmiol) . . 7-5 3'9 2G 075
Veragua. Messrs. Salvin and Grcdman possess two speci- mens from Santa Fe and Calobre, collected by Arce. They are both rather dull rufous, with ferruginous tail crossed with
SER. in. VOL. V. E
50 Mr. R. B. Sharpc on the Genus Glaucidium.
seven bands of brown, and agree fairly with the Guatemalan examples in the collection of the above gentlemen. The Mu- seum has one bird, collected by Arce, from this country and belonging to the small grey form called G. gnoma by Ridg- way ; the tail is blackish with six rows of white spots.
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tarsna.
a, ad. Veragua (Arce) 6-0 3-6 2-7 0-8
b, ad. Calobre „ G-5 3-6 2-6 0-75
c, ad. Santa Fe „ 5-5 375 2-55 0-8
Venezuela. From this country Bonaparte named his G. lansberi, a MS. name attached to a specimen in the Leiden Museum, and adopted by Mr. Ridgway for the rufous phase of G. jardinii. The specimen which was the type of Bona- parte's name, is no doubt No. 1 of Schlegel's ' Catalogue ' (p. 31) : " male, Caracas, presente par Mr. van Lansbergen/' so that if the species were to stand, it would probably have to be called Glaucidium lanshergeni^ .
Schlegel, moreover, unhesitatingly unites it to G.ferrugineum of Brazil ; and as the Venezuelan birds which I have examined are undoubtedly the same as the red Brazilian birds, I fancy that Dr. Wilson must have made a mistake in identifying the Philadelphia specimen described by Mr. Ridgway. A male bird from Caracas, in the Salvin-Godman collection, is deep ferruginous, the tail rather duller and without bars, though faint indications of the latter can be seen on holding the tail away from the light. But at the same time a Venezuelan specimen of G.jai'dinii in the rufous phase (=G. lansbergi of Ridgway) is in the Museum, so that both species perhaps occur. The Norwich Museum also contains a ferruginous specimen from Caracas.
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tai-sus. a, S (id. Caracas {Miis. S.SfG.) 7-0 3-6 2-05 8-8
Trinidad. I have seen five specimens from this island — four in the Museum collection, and one in that of Messrs. Salvin
* More recently, however, Schlegel (Miis. P. B. Columbce, p. 139) has named a Dove ( Peristera hmshogi) after the !?ame gentleman, wliom he now calls M. le Gouverneur van Lansbero-en.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Glaucidium. 51
and Godman. Both brown and ferruginous birds occur, the latter not being very diflFerent from Central-American ex- amples. A young specimen is in the Museum, which is dif- ferent from the Guatemalan specimens mentioned above. It has a perfectly uniform earthy-brown head, deep rufous-chest- nut back, and uniform deep rufous tail. The Trinidad birds are certainly rather more chestnut than the majority of Cen- tral-American specimens ; but I cannot find any good specific characters, so content myself with calling it a distinct race, not exactly agreeing with either Brazilian or Central- American specimens, and for which the name G. phalanoides may be retained, as, notwithstanding the statement in Daudin's de- scription (perhaps accidental) that the bill is blackish, the characters given are otherwise so complete as to leave no doubt of the species intended.
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, ad. Trinidad (Mus. Brit.) 6-5 3-9 2-65 075
b,ad. „ „ 6-5 4-1 2-55 075
c,ad. „ „ 6-5 4-0 2-65 075
d,Juv. „ „ 6-0 376 2-55 075
New Granada. Four specimens from Santa Marta are before me ; one, from the Norwich Museum, is cinnamon, with striped head, and indications of eight narrow and nearly ob- solete bars on the tail. The three others are in the British Museum, and were purchased from one and the same collec- tion. One is nearly uniform cinnamon above, with only a few light stripes on the head : the others are ochraceous brown, the back spotted with fulvous, the head of one striped, and that of the other partly striped and partly spotted, the spots dilating into strijjes. The tail in both is nearly the same, dark brown, with eight bands of white, not continuous across the shaft, but all with more or less of a rufous tinge.
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, ad. Santa Marta (Mits. Brit.) 7-0 365 2G 07
b, ad. „ „ 7-5 4-0 2-85 0-8
Ecuador. The two specimens collected by Fraser, and re- corded by Mr. Sclater (P. Z. S. 1860, p. 289), are in the series
E 2
52 Mr. R. B. Sharpc on the Genus Glaucidium.
lent mc by ]\Ir. Salviu : one is a cinnamon bird witli striped head, and has a few longitudinal markings remaining on the tail ; the other is a female of the ochraceous-brown form, the spots being very distinct on the whole of the upper surface, thus agreeing with the specimen mentioned by Mr. Ridgway (p. 103).
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, 2 ad. Babahoyo {Fraser) 7-0 3-95 2-8 08
b.Sad. „ „ 7-0 3-7 2-7 08
Amazonia. Messrs. Salvin and Godman own a specimen from the ''Amazon/^ obtained from the Maison Verreaux. It is difficult to know what country would be intended by a French agent by such a locality ; but the bird is one of the immature ferruginous Owls with uniform tail and clouded brown head, very similar to the young Trinidad specimen before noticed.
Brazil. From this rather comprehensive locality I have a large series representing three forms, viz. the true grey-plu- maged G. infuscatum of Ridgway and authors, the real G. ferrugineum of Prince Max., with uniform cinnamon tail, of which Mr. Ridgway seems only to have seen one specimen (p. 101), and, lastly, the ochraceous brown form with white- spotted tail, like the Santa-Marta specimens above mentioned. From Bahia the Museum has both forms, rufous and grey, collected by the late Dr. Wucherer. Only two specimens of the ferruginous form have any traces of bars on the tail.
Broxon phase.
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, ad. Brazil {Mus. S. Sf G.) 8-5 3<J5 3-2 0-8
b,ad. „ „ 7-5 4-0 3-3 0-85
c,ad. „ „ 8-0 4-3 3-2 0-8
d, ad. Bahia ( Wticherer) 7-0 3-7 29 0-8
e,ad. „ „ 7-0 3-9 2-9 0-85
/, ad. Cajutuba (Naiterer) 6-5 3-8 2-6 075
Rufmis phase.
a, «£/. Novo Friborgo (ro?/f/,s) 8-0 4-1 31 09
6, ^ ad. Brazil (Clmissen) 90 4-6 3-5 09
c,S ad. „ 8 0 4-2 2-9 0-85
djiiv. „ (Mus. S. ^- G.) 7-5 415 3-1 08
c; ad. Bahia ( Wucherer) 05 37 27 0-8
Mr. 11. 13. Sliarpc on the Genus Glaucidium. 53
Peru. Messrs. Salviu and Godman have a female from Arequipa^ obtained by Mr. H. Whitely, and representing the true G. infuscatum, and also a ferruginous specimen from Lima, having a uniform tail, like the Brazilian examples.
Total
length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, 2 ad. Arequipa ( Whitely) 7-5 40 3-2 0-85
h, ad. Lima {Nation) 7-0 3-9 2-9 0-8
Bolivia. Two specimens from this country, collected by Mr. Brydges, are preserved in the British Museum, one being greyish brown, of the ordinary G. infuscatum type, and the other ochraceous brown, spotted on the back like the Ecuador bird noticed above : the latter has a striped head ; but the greyish bird has the crown partly spotted and partly streaked.
Total length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
a, ad. BolWm {Brydges) 6-5 3-75 2-G 0-75
The conclusion forced upon me after an examination of the foregoing series is, that Mr. Ridgway is right in believing in a northern and a southern form of Glaucidium infuscatum, but his G. ferrugineum must be regarded as the rufous phase of these grey-plumaged birds. The ranges of these two birds are not so easily made out ; but I fancy, from the series before me, that the small form extends from the Southern States of North America throughout Mexico and the whole of Central America to Panama ; and thence, from Venezuela and New Granada southwards throughout Amazonia to Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia, it is replaced by the larger form.
The differences between these two species it is not easy to define. The large bird from Brazil difllers chiefly in size and in having more distinct spots on the crown, back, and sides of the breast, so that I cannot uuderstand Mr. Ridgway stating that the latter parts are "not speckled.^' The northern form is smaller, and, as Mr. Ridgway states, is " greyish umber,'' instead of being " dark sepia-brown ; " the spots on the back are obsolete or concealed ; and tlie spots on the tail are only six in number, instead of seven as in the larger form.
51 Mr. R. B. Sliarpc on the Genus Glaucidium.
Between the browner phases of the two species there is also a decided difference*. The South- American species, again, exhibits a strongly spotted back and scapulars, and is much more ochraceous brown than the Central -American one : the head is generally more spotted ; and the tail is more simple in marking, being dark brown or rufous brown, with seven or eight clearly defined rows of white rounded spots or bars. The Central-American bird, on the other hand, is generally deeper-coloured, or, as Mr. Ridgway calls it, of a " reddish umber," with scarcely any indication of dorsal spots, the tail- band regular, and the crossbands either rufous, or, where in- clining to white, the latter always bears a trace of rufous, as if the white spots were gradually developed out of a previous rufous bar.
The ferruginous plumages of these two birds are more dis- tinct than the brown ones, the Brazilian birds being generally of a clear cinnamon tint, with uniform tail of the same colour, whereas the Central-American bird is of a deeper and more ferruginous colour, always more or less distinctly barred with brown. I do not deny that specimens occur in both countries approaching the characters of both species ; but, as a rule, the birds may be distinguished without much difficulty.
The result of my studies of these birds may be shortly summed up as follows : —
1. That the birds called by Mr. Ridgway G. ferruginewUy G. infuscatum, and G. guoma constitute one species, wide- spread and very variable, ranging from the southern provinces of North America southwards over the entire continent as far as Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Peru. The correct name of this bird seems to be Glaucidium fei'ox (V.).
2. That the Brazilian bird is the larger, has more white spots on the tail, and has a cinnamon phase with viniform tail.
3. That from Panama northwards this larger form is repre-
* Scarcely any of the specimcus in South-American collections have the sexes marked ; but I fancy tht3 browncr-pliunaged birds ai"c either females or young males ; the darlicr the tail and the whiter the spots on it, the p-oyer the birtj.
Mr. li. 13. Sharpe on the Genus Glauciclium. 55
sented by a smaller representative, very similar in colour in tlie brown phase, but having one row of spots less on the tail, and having a ferruginous phase of plumage with regularly banded tail.
4. That, although at the extreme limits of their range these two birds are tolerably well characterized, in the lower part of Central America, and even in Brazil, occur specimens which it would be difficult to refer with certainty to either one or the other form.
5. That, viewing the differences which are exhibited by most specimens from the northern and southern ranges of the birds, it is convenient to keep them separate ; and as Mr. Ridgway has incorrectly called the Central-American bird G. gnoma, the latter will require a new title, which I propose shall be Glaucidium ridgwayi.
6. That the Trinidad birds hold a somewhat intermediate position, having only six bars on the tail in the grey phase, and thus resembling the Central- American bird, but being altogether of a darker and more sepia-brown, with a dotted crown. The latter character, as I have shown, does not go for much ; and the ferruginous specimens have more or less striped heads. One of the latter is younger, and has a rufous tail irregularly marked with blackish, the bars, as far as they can be counted, being eight in number. I do not attach great importance to this supposed subspecies from Trinidad, as, after all, the Central- American bird may range along Ve- nezuela to Trinidad ; but at present there is no connexion be- tween the two birds by means of specimens of G. ridgwayi from any part of Venezuela. The average measurements of the three races are as follows : —
Total length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
i. G.fei'ox 6-5-90 36 -46 26 -3-5 0-7-OiJ
2. G. ridgicayi 5-5-7-0 3-65-4-1 2-5 -2-85 0-7-0-85
3. G. phulmnoidcs .... 6-0-8-0 375-4-1 2-55-2-65 0-75
These dimensions are sufficient to show that measurements are little worth in the consideration of Glaucidium, although, were the sexes of the specimens known, there can be no doubt that some of the great differences in size in each of the species might be accounted fur by a difference of sex.
56 Mr. R. B. Sliarpe on the Genus Glaucidium.
The following is therefore my proposed arrangement of the American species of Glaucidium with reference to Mr. Ridgway's paper on the genus : —
1. Glaucidium gnoma. Californian Owlet. Glaucidium passerinum, var. californicum, Ridgway, Pr.
Bost. Soc. xvi. p. 94 (1873).
Hab. Western Region of North America from Vancouver Island^ southwards through Central America to Guatemala.
List of Specimens examined.
E Mus. Brit. — a, ^ juv. Vancouver Island {J. K. Lord) . b. Mexico, c. Central America.
E Mus. Salvin and Godman. — a, b, ad. Choctum, Vera Paz, Guatemala, Jan. 1860 (0. Salvin). c, ad. Choctum, Jan. 1862 (O. Salvin).
E Mus. Now. — a, pull. Orizaba, Mexico [Botteri) . b. Gua- temala, c. Guatemala {Skinner), d. Northern California [Brydges) .
E Mus. H. S. Le Strange. — a, ? ad., b,juv. City of Mexico {H. S, Le Strange).
E Mus. H. E. Dresser. — a, ad. Vancouver's Island, Nov. 16th, 1867 (/. Hepburn).
2. Glaucidium griseiceps, sp. n. Isthmian Owlet. Glaucidium 2}umilum (pt.), Ridgway, I. c. p. 97. Hab. Central America from Guatemala to Veragua.
List of Specimens examined. E Mus. Brit, — a, ad. Guatemala. b,juv. Veragua (^rce). E Mus. Salvin and Godman. — a, b, c, d. Choctum, Vera Paz, Guatemala (0. Salvin). e. Chisec (O. Salvin).
3. Glaucidium pumilum. Brazilian Owlet. Glaucidium pumilum, Ridgw. /. c. p. 97. Hab. Brazil.
List of Specimens examined. E Mus. Brit. — «, A. South America, r, rf. Brazil, e. Bra- zil {Claussen). f,(j. Bahia (fFwc/^erer).
Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Glaucidium. 57
E Mus. Salvin and Godman. — a. Brazil, b. Bahia [Wu- cherer).
E Mus. Norv. — a, ad. Brazil.
4. Glaucidium nanum. Patagonian Owlet. Glaucidium nanum, Ridgway, I. c. p. 104.
Hab. South America : Chili and Patagonia as far north as the Rio Negro.
List of Specimens examiiied. E Mus. Brit. — a, b. S. America, c. Straits of Magellan.
d. Port Famine {King), e, $ ad. Province of Colchagua, Jnly 1870 {Reed), f, ^ ad. Rio Negro, Patagonia, May 1871 {Hudson) .
E Mus. Norv. — a, $ ad. Chili {Verreaux). b,juv. Chili.
E Mus. Salvin and Godman. — a, b, ^ '^ ad. Province of Santiago, Chili {Philippi and Landbeck). c, ^ pull. Santiago, Chili (P. ^ L.). d, $ ad. Rio Negro, Patagonia {Hudson).
5. Glaucidium jardinii. Jardine's Owlet. Glaucidium jar dinii et G. lansbergi, Ridgw. I.e. pp. 98,99. Hab. South America : New Granada and Veuezuela.
List of Specimens examined. E Mus. Brit. — a, b, ad. Columbia. c,juv. Columbia, d,
e, ad. Bogota. f,juv. Bogota. g,juv. Sierra Nevada, Ve- nezuela.
E Mus. Salvbi and Godman. — a, b, ad., c, d,juv. Bogota. e, ad. Antioquia, New Granada {Salmon) .
E Mus. Norv. — a,juv. New Granada. b,ad. New Granada. c, ad. Columbia, d, juv. Columbia, e, f, g. Bogota {E. Mark) .
6. Glaucidium ferox. Azara^s Owlet. Glaucidium infuscatum, Ridgw. /. c. p. 102. Glaucidium ferrugineum (pt.), id. I. c. p. 100.
Hab. South America : the whole of Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru, extending along the western coast through Ecuador to New Granada and Venezuela.
List of Specimens examined. E Mus. Brit. — a, ? ad. Brazil {Such). h, ^ ad. c,Juv.
58 Mr. R. B. Sharpc on the Genus Glaucidium.
Brazil (C/aM5sew). f/, «c?. Brazil. e,f,ad. l^Q\n^{Wucherer). g, h, ad. Bolivia {Bnjdges) . i, k, I, ad. Santa Marta.
EMus. Now. — a (brown phase), ad. Brazil, b (rufous phase), Brazil, c. Santa Marta ( Verreaux) . d. Caracas ( Verreaux) .
E Mus. Salvin and Godman. — Brown phase : a, b, ad. Bra- zil, c. Cajutaba, Brazil [Natterer). d, juv. Bahia {Wu- cherer) . e. Venezuela, f, ? ad. Babahoyo, Ecuador {Fraser) . ff, ? ad. Arequipa, Peru(ifFAi/e/?/). Rufous phase: a. S. Ame- rica. b,c. Brazil, d. Novo Friborgo, S.E. Brazil {Youds). e. Amazon {Baird) . /, ^ ad. Venezuela. g, S ad. Baba- hoyo (Fraser). h, ? ad. Lima, Peru [Nation).
7. Glaucidium phalvENOides. Daudin's Owlet. Hub. Trinidad [Mus. Brit. ; S. ^- G.) .
List of Specimens examined. E Mus. Brit. — a, b, c, d, ad. juv. Trinidad. E Mus. Salvin and Godman. — a. Trinidad.
8. Glaucidium ridgwayi. Ridgway^s Owlet. Glaucidium infuscatum, var. gnoma, Ridgw. /. c. p. 103. Glaucidium ferrugineum (pt.), Ridgw. I.e. p. 101.
Hab. From the Rio Grande (perhaps the southern border of the United States, Ridgway) through Central America to
Panama.
List of Specimens examined.
E Mus. Brit. — a, b. Mexico, c. Guatemala, d-k. Costa Rica. /. Veragua [Arce).
E Mus. Salvin and Godman. — a. Orizaba, b, c. Cordova, Mexico [Salle) . d,e. Gnatem&la [Van Patten), f. Laguna, Guatemala, Dec. 26, 1857 (O. ,Sa/t'm). g,h. San Geronirao, Nov. 1859 (0. S.) . i. j. El Paraiso [0. S.) . k, I, m, n. ad. et juv. Duenas, 1861 & 1862 [O. S.). o, ^ ad. Volcan de Agua, above San Diego, Nov. 1873 [0. S.). p. Volcan de Fuego, Sept. 7th, 1859 (O. S.). q, r. Cohan, Vera Paz, Dec. 1861 and Feb. 1862 [0. S.). s. Costa Rica [Carmiol). t, ^ ad. Santa Fe, Veragua [Arce) . n,^ . Calobre, Veragua [Arce) .
E Mus. Norv. — a, ad. Orizaba, Mexico, b. Guatemala [Skinner) .
Three Months on the Coast of South Africa. 51)
9. Glaucidium siju. Cuban Owlet. Gtaucidium siju, Ridgw. /. c. p. 105. Hab. Cuba. E Mus. Brit. — ad. Cuba.
III. — Three Months on the Coast of South Africa. By Captain G. E. Shelley, F.R.G.S.
I LEFT England for the Cape of Good Hope the 15th De- cember, 1873, on board the ' Asiatic,' one of the Union Company's steamships. The only land we sighted during the twenty-seven days' passage was Grand Canary, Teneriffe, and St. Helena. At the latter place we arrived on the morning of the 4th of January ; and most welcome was the chance of feel- ing oneself again on terra firma. Not wishing to lose the opportunity of adding a new species to my collection, I took my gun on shore ; and during the time I was visiting Napoleon's tomb and the house in which he lived at '' Longwood " I shot by the way three specimens of JEgialitis sanctce-helence, Hart- ing, the only indigenous bird, and several of the small Ground- Dove {Geopelia tranquilla) , introduced from AustraHa, and of Estrelda astrild, a native of the African continent, both of which species are thoroughly acclimatized to the island and are very abundant.
The steep road which leads out of the town towards Long- wood threads the sides of rather a picturesque valley, with a small waterfall at the end trickling down over dark vol- canic rocks. On turning out of this valley, and close to the first wayside canteen, the country opens out ; and the scenery becomes very wild as the road passes into the fir- woods. Here I quitted it for a small barren plateau to the left, where I found some seven or eight specimens of ^gialitis sanctce- helena, the " Wire-bird," the only ones I saw on the island, — a strange place for an u^gialitis, as there is no water near, and the rocky ground is parched and barren. All the speci- mens I procured were moulting.
On the 12th of January we reached Table Bay. The first sight of the Cape is really fine ; the flat-topped "Table Moun-
60 Captain G. E. Shelley's Three Months
tain/' overhanging the town^ contrasts strongly with the jagged outline of the range extending to the south, the peaks of which are known as the twelve Apostles. To the west of the town the lower hills are called the " Lion/' from their fancied resem- blance to that beast in a crouching position ; the head, point- ing to the south, is formed of a barren mass of rock, while on its other extremity is the signal-station. On the eastern slope of Table Mountain is situated the town of Wynberg ; and the vineyards of Constantia and many other pretty little villages lie embedded in the pine-forests which clothe the base of this remarkable mountain, wliile beyond the villages to the north- east the country opens out into a wide plain, only covered with stunted bush backed up in the distance by mountain- ranges. Having glanced at the nature of the country, I pro- ceeded with my gun to make my first personal observations upon the avifauna of South Africa. What first struck me was the absence of bird- and insect-life ; nor did a six weeks' knowledge of Cape Colony, from Cape Town to Worcester, alter my impressions, though sea- fowl are very abundant. At Cape Town the commonest land-birds are Laniarius gut- turalis, Lanius collaris, Drymosca maculosa, Zoslerops ca- pensis, Cossypha caffra, and Turtur albiventris (frequenting the fir-woods and bushes), Saxicola familiaris on the more barren open ground, Promerops caffer, Nectarinia famosa, N. chalybea, and N. afra around the flowering aloes ; and on the more marshy land, especially towards Salt River, Motacilla capensis and Calidris arenaria were very common. By the 20th every thing was arranged for a trip to the Kuysna in a waggon drawn by eight horses, when one of my friends, Mr. Elliot, was taken suddenly ill ; but thinking that a few days' rest would restore him to health, I started alone for Wel- lington, where three days later I heard of his death ; thus my pleasure-tour received at its outset the severest of blows, the loss of a friend, and I gave up all thoughts of the Knysna.
During my tour in the colony, between Stellcnbosch and the Paarl, I " outspanned " near a small pond, where flocks of jEgialitis tricuUuris and Trinya minuta were very abundant ; and amongst the neighbouring stunted bush there was a good
on the Coast of South Africa. Gl
variety of birds, such as Saxicola sinuala, S. pileata, and Thamnobia coryjihcea, this latter species being very common ; when frightened it only flies for a short distance, often avoiding further pursuit by running. Its habits reminded me of Aedon galactodes as I have observed them in Egypt ; especially when on the ground, it has the habit of suddenly stopping and flitting up its tail as it watches an intruder^ and in all its movements is very active and restless. I also saw a few specimens of Megalophonus apiatus, which would rise much like a Pipit, and fly for only a short distance close over the brushwood, rarely running when on the ground. Of game there was very little beyond a few small hares ; and I met with one fine covey of Francolinus afer, of which I killed three.
The country from Capetown to Stellenbosch is flat, covered with stunted bush about two feet high, while towards the Paarl it becomes more hilly. During my stay in these parts I was much struck by the regular hours kept by the Swifts ; each morning about 8 o^clock they first appeared, often in con- siderable numbers, retiring as suddenly again at 10. What they do with themselves during the remainder of the day I am unable to say, though probably they retire to the crevices in their mountain homes during the heat of the day to digest at leisure the breakfast they have so hurriedly partaken of. They appear again, but generally in less numbers, in the afternoon.
On the 24th I was rewarded for a hot walk up the Paarl mountain by making a fair bag of small birds and being able to observe several species which I had not previously seen. Cossypha caffra and Thamnobia coryphcea frequently flitted across the path in front, or ran beneath the low bushes, erect- ing and fanning out their tails at intervals, while Laniarius gutturalis skulked cunningly away to the thickest neighbour- ing shelter. Fringillaria capensis, another very common bird throughout the colony, might generally be seen in pairs perched upon the crest of some large mass of rock. Saxicola familiaris was extremely abundant and tame, running from beneath a bush, where it had taken refuge, to the summit of
02 Captaiu G. E. Shelley's Three Months
a prominent stone, whence it soon flitted on to another emi- nenee, preferring rock to bush for its perch. Amongst the herbage on the top of the mountain I disturbed Sphenoeacus africanm, which quickly took shelter in another thick tuft of grass, when it gradually crept down the stalks and disap- peared, giving me some trouble in again pursuading it to show itself. Having deposited some specimens to get cool in the shade of a large rock, I had wandered a few hundred yards off", when I was recalled by the hoarse croak of Corvultur al- bicollis, which was so intently examining these specimens that it allowed me to get within range, though", as a rule, I have found it a very wary bird. On descending the mountain I enjoyed the luxury of a bath in a shallow stream in company with a pair of my old friends Ceryle rudis, who were con- stantly hovering over the water or plunging into it after small fish.
The following day I got to Wellington, where I met with a good number of (Ena capejisis, Colius striatus, Pycnonotus capensis, Passei' arcuatus, P. diffusus, and Vidua principalis. Amongst the reeds by the river I obtained a specimen of Laniarius gutturalis, without any signs of a black collar, in which plumage it appears so difierent that at the time I did not recognize the species.
The trip over "Baines's Kloof is through some of the finest wild mountain scenery in South Africa. The road, on descending towards Darling bridge, runs along the steep sides of a deep ravine, through which the soft green banks of a rippling brook strongly contrast with the harsh outline of the flat-topped mountains which confine the view. Of the hand- some speckled Rock-Pigeon {Stictcenas phteonotus) we saw numbers, both feeding on the road, or dashing out from the overhanging rocks.
At Darling bridge we left the mountain-gorge for a wide elevated plain, a common feature in this part of the country ; here we met with several specimens of Francolinus capetisis (the " Pheasant " of the colonists) . On first coming upon a small covey of five upon the ground amongst the low bush, their resemblance to Guineafowl was very striking, as, with necks
on the Coast of South Africa. G3
erect, they first endeavoured to escape by running ; on the wing they looked heavy, rarely sustaining their flight for more than a few hundred yards.
On this same plain, near a river, I found small birds fairly plentiful ; and on entering the mountain-range near Ceres I met with a pair of Scopus umbretta in the stunted bush and shot one, obtaining its mate on my return visit a few days later. About here bush-buck are tolerably plentiful ; and in the mountain-gorge near Ceres I saw several Amydrus morio (the " Redwing " of the colonists) ; but they were too shy to allow me to approach within shot. At Ceres I saw a few Ducks, the only ones I met with during my rambles; and these would not let me get within range. Amongst the species which I had not previously shot, I may mention Amydrus bicolor : its habits are very similar to those of our English Starling ; and they were extremely plentiful, both in the town itself and the surrounding country. On going to bathe in the river I killed a Little Bittern [Ardetta podiceps) in immature plumage. On the plains around Ceres I met with the " Knorhan " [Eupodotis afra) ; and on my return journey to Capetown I added considerably to my collection of skins, but not to the number of species.
During the remainder of my stay at the Cape I devoted my attention chiefly to some flowering aloes on the sides of the Lion-hill. Promerops caffer, like the other Sun-birds, are much attracted by these stately flowers ; and it was with no little interest that I watched these remarkable birds clinging to the blossoms. I left Capetown on the 14tli of February for Natal, and was glad to get away, as it is but a poor place for the naturalist, be he in pursuit of birds, beasts, or insects, though for the botanist I believe the case is very different.
The coasting steamers stop at Mossel Bay for George and the Knysna. The country around this place is very barren, with a perfect absence of trees, but with some rather pictu- resque raAdnes. Amongst the small bushes Promerops caffer and Nectarinia famosa are very abundant, the former usually in family parties, the latter in pairs. A few miles out of the town there is a very thriving Ostrich-farm. We next stopped
64 Captain G. E. Shelley's Three Months
at Port Elizabeth^ whichj though by no means a promising place to look at, is fairly well stocked with birds and insects, especially along the small water-courses. Here the Cape fauna is exhibited in Buteo jackal, Laniarius gutturalis, and Amydrus morio, species which I never saw near Durban. On the 23rd of February I arrived at Port Natal, and, after wast- ing two days in getting my guns and ammunition through the custom-house, began work : of course days wasted, though reckoned as of little importance by others, are most grudg- ingly granted by the naturalist, who feels that each day lost is the loss of some species which he may never again have the chance of seeing in its native wilds. The first sight of Natal after a stay at the Cape is very cheering ; the dense bush which lines the shore extends in an almost unbroken belt, some twenty miles in width, as far as Delagoa Bay east- ward, while towards the Cape of Good Hope the land becomes more open as one approaches the mouth of St. John's River and East London.
Port Natal, where we disembarked, was, when I landed, literally swarming with insect life, the air being full of fine beetles and gaily coloured butterflies. Durban is situated at about three miles from the Port, on Natal Point, on the shore of the large bay, which, owing to its narrow outlet and the shallow marshy nature of some parts of the sides, has much the appearance of a salt lake, and is frequented by numerous Waders. On the other side Durban is surrounded by an open, rushy flat, bounded by a low thickly wooded range of hills, called the Berea, whence I collected a variety of birds and a great number of butterflies ; unfortunately the former were rarely in good plumage at the season of my visit, though some of them were breeding at the time.
Whilst in the neighbourhood of Durban, from the 25th of February to the 13th of April, I made the following notes upon the birds I there observed. I shall add to the list those species which I met with during my stay in Cape Colony, as I have yet some few additional notes to make to the prece- ding rambling portion of my journal, and which may be entered shortly in the following list : —
on the Coast of South Africa. 65
1. PoLYBOROiDEs Tvpicus, Smith. Banded Gymuogcne.
Mr. AyreSj of Pinetown, kindly gave me an immature spe- cimen of tliis Hawk, and told me that it was not uncommon in that locality.
2. Circus ranivorus (Daud.). South -African Marsh- Harrier.
Very common in the marshes close to Durban. Its habits are similar to those of the common Marsh-Harrier of Europe, to which species it is very closely allied ; but in no plumage does it acquire the grey on the wings and tail. The surest means of recognizing this species is by the bars on the outer primary, C. ceruginosus not having bars on that feather. The specimens I preserved had been feeding on frogs.
3. Circus macrurus (Gmel.)'^. Swainson^s Harrier.
I shot an immature specimen of this species in the Cape colony near Ceres.
4. BuTEO JAKAL (Daud.) . Jackal Buzzard.
I occasionally met with this species in Cape colony and at Port Elizabeth ; but near Durban it is replaced by Lophoaetua occipitalis, a bird of very similar appearance and of the same indolent habits.
5. AcciPiTER TACHiRO (Daud.). South-African Goshawk. A specimen of this fine Hawk was kindly given to me by
Mr. Ayres, of Pinetown, who shot it in that locality.
6. AcciPiTER MiNULLUs (Daud.) . Little Sparrow-Hawk. A plentiful species, frequenting the edges of the coffee- and
sugar-plantations, especially those to the east of the Umgeni river. Two females which I procured measured in the flesh 10*4 and 10"2 inches. The irides, cere, and legs are yellow.
7. LoPHOAETUs OCCIPITALIS (Daud.). Crested Eagle. Very abundant near Durban. It frequents the large trees
at the edges of clearings, or in the more open country, rarely resorting to the thick woods. It is rather partial to habita- tions, where its presence is any thing but welcome, as it fre-
* C .twarnwrn, Smith et auctt. rec. SER. III. VOL. V. F
()(; Cai.tnin (i. K. Sliclloy's Thrvc Months-
(juently carries oil' poultry, though its favourite food appears to be rats. In habits it is sluj^jgisb, sitting stationary for a long time on the same bough, only moving its head at inter- vals from side to side, or erecting and depressing its fine crest. When flying, the white on the under surface of the wing is very apparent. Cere and feet yellow ; the irides in an adult specimen 1 shot were brownish yellow; in a less mature bird I killed at Pinetown, the occipital crest was faintly tij)ped Avith buff, and the irides were brown.
8. Elanus ceruleus (Dcsfout.). Black-shouldered Kite. I occasionally saw single specimens in the more open coun- try about Durban, but did not observe it in Cape colony.
9. Baza verreauxi (Lafr.). Verrcaux Kite- Falcon. This is the most abundant species of Hawk near Durban,
where it frequents the thick woods. I was, however, not fortunate enough to obtain a specimen, although I fired at three and knocked one down into the bush.
10. TiNNUNCULUS RUPicoLus (Daud.). South-African Kestrel.
I shot one specimen at Pinetown while it was hovering over the grassy jdain, and occasionally saw Kestrels in Cape colony, probably of this species. Its habits appeared iden- tical with those of our common English Kestrel.
11. Aluco PUNCTATA (Licht.) ■'^. Brown-backed Barn-Owl. I met with one specimen to the east of the Umgeni, which
rose out of the high grass while I was searching for Quail.
* [We take this opportunit}' of expressino; our dissent from tlie view propounded by Professor Newton respecting the impropriety of applying tlie term Sfn'x to the liarn-Owl (fStri.r Jlammea) : see Yarrell, JJrit. 13. 4th ed. p. 11)4.
lirissou recognized two genera of Owls, under the names Asio and Strij-. The former of these, being additional to the genera given in the 12th edi- tion of the ' Systema Naturoj,' must be accepted, Asio of us being tlie Brissonian type of the genus. Prof. Newton truly says that S/n'jr aliico is JJrisson's type of the Linnrean genus Sfn'x as restricted. But does the rule Avhich admits the additional Brissonian genera give Brisson any right to define other Linnroan genera? We think not. If not, •Sfri.r. as furtlier re.-'tricted 1)v Saviirnv in IHOO, may still stand for the
on the Coast of South Africa. 67
I also heard of a young one being brought into Pinetown for sale^ from which I conclude that it is not verj^ uncommon about Durban.
12. Caprimulgus EUROPiEUS, Linn. Common Goatsucker. I frequently met with it at Durban and Pinetown.
13. Cypselus apus (Linn.). Common Swift. Common in Cape colony, and I occasionally saw it at Dur- ban and Pinetown.
14. Cypselus melba (Linn.). Alpine Swift. Although I found this species very plentiful in Cape colony,
I did not observe it at Dui'ban.
15. Cypselus CAFFER,Licht. South- African White-rumped Swift.
Plentiful in Cape colony ; occasionally seen in considerable numbers about Pinetown. At first sight it appears very similar to the West- African C. affinis, from which it differs in having a deeply forked tail.
16. HiRUNDO rustica, Linn. Chimney-Swallow.
By far the most abundant Swallow in Capetown, and, in- deed, exceedingly common wherever I went.
17. HiRUNDO cucullata, Bodd. Rouselline Swallow. Very plentiful thi'oughout Cape colony and Natal, and
often seen feeding in company with the Swifts. In March and April I frequently saw it engaged in constructing its nest, which it places against walls of houses in similar posi- tions to those chosen for that purpose by our common House- Martin. A specimen I shot measured in the flesh 7*8 inches. Beak hlack ; irides and legs brown.
18. PsALiDOPROCNE holomel^na (Sund.). Black Swallow. Very plentiful about Pinetown, and occasionally met with
group of Owls with which by far the majority of authors, for considerably more than half a centmy, have associated this name. By the rules of nomenclature a portion of Brisson's genera were admitted by a special clause ; why extend this author's powers beyond the wording of that clause ? — Ed.]
f2
68 Captain G. E. Slicllcy's Three Months
at Durban. It is a woodland bird, usually seen in small flocksj often perehing on boughs on the shady side of large trees. They appear to avoid the glare of the mid-day sun, feeding mostly in the evening, often long after sunset. Length of a specimen in the flesh 6"4 inches. Beak black ; irides dark brown ; legs purple-brown, shading off into flesh- colour on the back of the tarsus and on the soles of the feet.
19. CoTYLE FULiGULA (Liclit.). Browu Martin. Occasionally seen whilst at Capetown, generally in the
streets, where it builds under eaves of houses, even in the most crowded thoroughfares.
20. CoTYLE PALUDicoLA (Vicill.). South- African Sand- Martin.
At Ceres, in Cape colony, I found this species very abun- dant, reminding me strongly of C. riparia, from which its dull-coloured breast most readily distinguishes it.
21. CoRACiAs GARRULA, Linn. European Roller.
An immature specimen of this bird was brought to Mr. Ayres whilst I was at Pinetown ; he told me that it was by no means common in that locality.
22. Hapaloderma XARiNA (Vieill.). South-African Trogon. Not uncommon in the thick woods about Durban and
Pinetown.
23. Halcyon albivextris (Scop.). Brown-hooded King- fisher.
Very common about Dm'ban and Pinetown ; all those that I examined had been feeding upon grasshoppers.
24. CoRYTHORNiscY'ANOSTiGMA(Ilupp.). Malachitc-crcstcd Kingfisher.
This charming little Kingfisher is found invariably fre- quenting the small streams and ditches close to Durban, w here, however, it is not very abundant. The only specimen I shot measured in the flesh 5" 7 inches. Beak and legs brilliant coral-red, slightly shaded with black towards the nostrils aiid at the base of the lower mauilible ; irides dark brown.
on the Coast of Souih Africa. GU
25. IspiDiNA NATALENsis (Smith). Natal Kingfisher. Rather more plentiful than the last species, and occasionally
met with in the woods away from water.
26. Ceryle rudis (Linn.). Black-and-white Kingfisher. I saw a pair at the Paarl, in Cape colony, and a single spe- cimen near Durban.
27. Ceryle maxima, Pall. Great African Kingfisher.
I met with a pair of these gigantic Kingfishers amongst the low bushes between Durban and the Conguella, and pro- cured them both. They kept entirely to the small streams, and when disturbed flew only for a short distance, returning again to the same haunt as soon as they fancied they were out of danger. The female measured 17 '5 inches. Beak black, paler at the base of the lower mandible ; legs horn- or olive-slate colour, pale above the tarsal joint, and darkest on the toes and back of the tarsus ; irides dark brown. There is little if any difference in the size of the two sexes.
28. Merops apiaster, Linn. European Bee-eater.
I met with a small flock near Durban in the beginning of April.
29. Upupa minor, Shaw. South-African Hoopoe.
I did not meet with this bird alive, but saw a skin, and was told that it only came to Durban at certain seasons.
30. Irrisor ERYTHRORHYNCHUs(Lath.). Red-billcd Irrisor. Also migratory about Durban, where some years it appears
to be tolerably common.
31. Nectarinia famosa, Linn. Malachite Sun-bird. Common in Cape colony, and very abundant at Mosscl
Bay ; I also met with them at Port Elizabeth. They were still in the moult up to the middle of April.
32. Nectarinia afra, Linn. Greater Double-collared Sun- bird.
Plentiful in Cape colony.
70 Captain G. E. Shelley's Three Months
33. Nectarinia CHALYBEA, Linn. Lesser Double-collared Sun-bird.
I met with this Sun-bird abundantly in Cape colony, at Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Piuetown.
34. Nectarinia gutturalts, Linn. Scarlet-breasted Sun- bird.
I saw a few specimens which had been shot about Durban and Pinetown ; but I believe they do not come to the coast during the hot season, at which time I was there.
35. Nectarinia collaris, Vieill. Southern Collared Sun- bird.
Very plentiful about Durban and Pinetown. I was given two nestlings in the beginning of April ; their breasts were yellow, without any collar, and their upper parts metallic green, as in the adult.
36. Nectarinia olivacea. Smith. Olive Sun-bird.
I shot this specie both at Durban and Pinetown, where it does not appear to be uncommon.
37. Nectarinia VERREAUxi (Smith). Verreaux's Sun-bird. Not uncommon about Durban. It measures 5 '2 inches.
Beak and legs black ; gape orange ; irides dark brown.
38. Promerops caffer, Linn. Long-tailed Sun-bird.
A very local species ; it is plentiful in Cape colony, and extremely common at Mossel Bay, where I usually saw it in family parties. It is a very curious and pretty sight to see a group of these birds busily hunting for insects around some flowering aloes, their long tails floating in the breeze.
39. Zosterops capensis, Sundev. Cape-White-eye. Common in Cape colony and at Durban; in the former
place I mostly met with it in the pine forests at the foot of Table Mountain. Irides brown.
40. Drymceca maculosa (Bodd.) . Cape- Warbler.
Very abundant in Cape colony; but I am not aware of having seen it at Durban, where its place is occupied by D. subrujicapiUa. Length in the flesh 5 inches ; legs and beak
on the Coast of South Africa. 71
flesh-colour, the latter shading into horn-colour on the upper and tip of the under mandible ; irides hazel.
41. Drym(eca subruficapilla, Smith. Tawny-headed Warbler.
Very common about Durban and Pinetown, usiially in family parties, where I have frequently watched them thread- ing their way along the edge of the bushes, constantly utter- ing a short note.
42. Drym(eca smithi, Bp. Smithes Warbler. Not uncommon near Durban.
43. Catriscus apicalis (Licht.) . Natal Fantail.
I saw several specimens of this bird in the sedge at Dur- ban and Pinetown, where, owing to their creeping-habit and the thick vegetation they frequent, I was only able to shoot two. It is a very striking little bird as it flits out from amongst the thick rushes with a jerky flight, its heavy dark tail rather inclining downwards.
44. Sylvietta micrura, Riipp. Short-tailed Creeper.
I believe I am not mistaken in entering this species in my present list ; for although I did not bring back a specimen, I shot several. I found them common about Durban, fre- quenting the lower parts of the thickest bushes, peering out occasionally from between the leaves, and constantly moving and uttering a jarring note.
45. Apalis THORAciCA (Shaw). Bar- throated Warbler.
I met with several specimens creeping about in the stunted bushes in Cape colony while on my way to Ceres.
46. Sphenceacus africanus (G-mel.). Pointed -tailed Warbler.
I met with this species both at the Paarl, in Cape colony, and at Pinetown, near Durban. It frequents the high grass, and is difiicult to drive out of the thick covert it resorts to. When on the wing it flies low with a straight and even flight. The specimen I procured at the Paarl measured 7'5 inches ; legs and beak grey, the latter inclining to black towards the culmen; irides hazel.
72 Captain G. E. Shelley's Three Months
47. AcROCEPHALus PALUSTRis (Bechst.). Marsh- Warbler. I shot the only specimen I saw in the thick hush some
500 yards from the marshy ground near Durban. I com- pared it Avith a European specimen in Mr. Dresser's collec- tion, with which it entirely agrees. Length in the flesh 55 inches ; beak flesh-colour, shading into brown on the culmen ; legs flesh-colour, with a slight livid shade ; irides hazel. This is no doubt the species mentioned by Mr. Gurney (Ibis, 1865, p. 266j as " C. arundinacea (Gmel.) ? "
48. Thamnobia coryph^a (Vieill.) . Coyphee Warbler. Very abundant amongst the low bush in Cape colony. In
habits it is very lively, now flitting for a short distance along the path, then running fleetly through the stunted bush, stop- ping at intervals and erecting and expanding its tail, the white on the outer feathers contrasting well with the dark sombre hues of its general plumage. Length in the flesh 7 inches ; beak and legs black ; irides dark brown.
49. Saxicola familiaris, Steph. Familiar Wheatear. Very common in Cape colony. I preserved specimens from
Capetown and the Paarl, while those which I procured at Stellenbosch and intermediate villages belong to the next species, which is so very similar in habits, and so closely allied that I did not recognize them apart until I returned to Eng- land. Had Mr. G. R. Gray seen these birds alive in South Africa, I think he would never have placed them in the genus Aedon, as their habits are very similar to those of the better- known European Chats. They frequent both the plains and the rocky mountains, rarely perching on bushes.
50. Saxicola sinuata, Sundev. Sickle-winged Chat. Common in Cape colony.
51. Saxicola piLBATA (Gmel.). Imitative Wheatear.
I only met with this species at Stellenbosch, in Cape colony, where, however, it was plentiful.
52. Pratincola torquata (Linn.). South- African Stone- chat.
Common throughout South Africa from the Cape to Durban.
on the Coast of South Afr'tca. 73
53. Parus NIGER, Vieill. Southern Black-and-white Tit- mouse.
I met with a few specimens both at Durban and Pinetown. A female measured in the flesh 6*4 inches. Beak black ; irides brown ; legs slate- colour.
54. MoTAciLLA VIDUA, Suudcv. African Pied Wagtail.
I occasionally saw single specimens or pairs of this bird at the edges of the rivers and brooks near Durban.
55. MoTACiLLA CAPENsis, Liun. Capc- Wagtail.
An extremely common species in Cape colony, frequently seen in considerable numbers together. At Durban I did not meet with them in any thing like the same abundance. A specimen I shot measured 7'3 inches.
56. Anthus pyrrhonotus (Vieill.). African Pipit. Whilst at Pinetown, in March, I saw several large flocks
of this Pipit on the wet ground : these birds do not keep close together; so that a flock extends over a considerable space.
57. Macronyx capensis (Linn.). Orange-throated Lark. I shot several in Cape colony, and also met with it at
Durban.
58. Macronyx croceus (Vieill.). Yellow-breasted Lark. Common about Pinetown, in Natal ; and I also met with
them at Durban. They are generally in pairs, and when dis- turbed from the high grass often fly to the topmost branches of some neighbouring tree.
59. TuRDus LETsiTsiRUPA, Smith. South-African Thrush. I saw a specimen of this Thrush which had been killed at
Durban.
60. Cossypha natalensis (Smith). Natal Chat-Thrush.
I met with this bird at Durban amongst some scattered bushes in the more open country, and saw two other speci- mens of Cossypha near that town, but could not determine their species.
61. Cossypha caffra (Vieill.).
Very abundant in Cape colony, especially in the pine-
74 Captain G. E. Shelley's Three Months
woods about Capetown. In habits they are extremely lively, running swiftly when on the ground, at intervals spreading and erecting their fine rufous tails, and when in the higher trees constantly shifting their position. Length in the flesh 6" 7 inches. Beak and legs black ; ii-idcs brown.
62. Pycnonotus capensis (Linn.). Cape-Bulbul. Common in Cape colony. While at Durban I confounded
this with the next species; and as all the Bulbuls I met with were in bad plumage, I paid little attention to them. The present species has a dark red wattled eyelid ; so that Mr. Sharpens notes on this subject (P. Z. S. 1871, p. 131) will require revision, which I propose to give in a forthcoming paper on the subject. The names here adopted are those of Mr. Sharpe.
63. Pycnonotus nigricans (Vieill.).
Very common about Durban and Pinetown. The eyelids are black, thick, but not wattled.
64. Phyllastrephus capensis, Swains. Cape-Jaboteur. This is the commonest bush-bird about Durban. If one
waits in a likely spot for a short time, they rarely fail to make their presence known by their constant jarring notes, as they approach quite close, keeping, however, well hidden amongst the leafy plants near the ground. I always met with them in pairs or small family parties. They occasionally differ considerably in size ; two females measured respectively 8'5 and 7'9 inches. Beak horn-colour, inclining to white on the lower mandible ; irides hazel ; legs pale pinkish grey.
65. Criniger flaviventris (Smith). Yellow-bellied Cri- niger.
Another very common bird in the thick bush about Durban, where its loud notes may be constantly heard — and is not un- frequently seen, as it does not hide itself so carefully as most of the other bush-birds. Length in the flesh 9*2 inches; beak horn-colour, slightly paler towards the base of the lower mandible ; irides brown ; legs lead-grey.
on the Coast of South Africa. 75
66. Andropadus importunus (Vieill.).
Very common in the bush about Durban. Beak black ; irides pale yellow ; legs horn-colour.
67. DicRURus MusicuSj Vieill. Musical Drongo. Plentiful about Durban and Pinetown; in the evenings,
just before sunset, I have seen parties of them at the edge of a wood or in the scattered bushes, flying out at intervals and hawking for insects in a very graceful manner.
68. DicRURus LUDWiGi, Smith. Small Drongo.
Not uncommon about Durban, always in the thickest parts of the bush, where their loud harsh cry may be frequently heard. They are very active, and restless in their movements, and rarely fail to show their curiosity by approaching quite close to an intruder ; but they seldom remain long in view. Beak and legs black ; irides deep orange.
69. Oriolus larvatus, Licht. South- African Black-headed Oriole.
Common at Durban and Pinetown, preferring the more open country, and always in pairs. They have a loud call-note, which may be heard at a considerable distance. Beak brownish flesh-pink ; irides red ; legs slate-colour.
70. Batis molitor (Hahn & Kiist.) .
Plentiful about Durban and Pinetown, usually frequenting the thick bush, but not uncommonly taking up their posi- tion in the small scattered trees, like true Flycatchers. A female measured in the flesh 4*7 inches. Beak black; irides deep yellow ; legs slate-colour. In the male the irides were pale yellow, sHghtly shaded with green on the outer edge.
71. BuTALis ADUSTA, Bp. Ciuercous Flycatcher.
I only met with this species at Pinetown, in Natal, where it was not uncommon, usually in pairs, frequenting the small scattered trees.
72. TcHiTREA viRiDis, Miill. Tchitrca Flycatcher. Plentiful in the dense woods about Durban and Pinetown.
They are lively in their habits, constantly flitting from bough to bough, and generally in pairs. Both male and female
76 Captain G. E. Shelley's Three Months
have the beak and legs grey, the former tipped with black ; the wattled eyelids are of a bright greyish blue ; irides dark brown.
73. MELiENORNis ATER^ Sundev. Black Flycatcher. Very abundant about Durban and Pinetown, where they
frequent the scattered trees in clearings in the bush^ generally resorting to the upper branches, often in family parties. Length in the flesh 8 inches. Beak and legs black ; irides brown.
74. Campephaga niger, Vieill. Black Caterpillar-eater. I only met with a few specimens near Durban.
75. Campephaga cesia, Licht. Grey Caterpillar-eater. Not very uncommon in the thick bush near Durban. A
boy who was with me shot at one of these birds with a cata- pult, when it dropped a Mantis it was feeding on, but was so intent upon its prey, that it came quite close to pick it up again, and was dispatched by another shot.
76. Lanius collaris (Linn.). Fiscal Shrike. Extremely common in Cape colony, and not rare in Natal,
where I frequently met with it about Durban and Pinetown. I also saw it plentifully at Port Elizabeth.
77. Lanius collurio, Linn. Red-backed Shrike. I shot it on several occasions at Durban.
78. Laniarius icterus, Cuv. Yellow-breasted Shrike.
I procured one specimen from a collection which had been made at Durban, where, however, it is probably far from common.
79. Dryoscopus cubla (Lath.). Puff-backed Shrike.
A very abundant species about Durban and Pinetown in the thick woods, where their jarring notes may be frequently heard. Length in the flesh 6'5 inches. Adult specimens have the irides bright golden yellow ; beak black; legs grey. Immature birds have the irides brown ; beak horn-colour, paler towards the base of the lower mandible ; legs grey.
on the Coast of South Africa. 77
80. Dhyoscopus boulboul (Shaw).
Very common in the thick bush about Durban, often in family parties, constantly on the move, and tolerably noisy. A male measured in the flesh 8*8 inches, a female 8*6. Beak dull black; irides dark brown; legs grey. The immature birds have the entire breast of a pale rufous-brown ; beak horn-colour, fading into white at the base of the lower mandible.
81. Laniarius GUTTURALis (Miill.) . Backbakiri Shrike. Very common in Cape colony, especially about Capetown ;
I also found them plentiful at Port Elizabeth ; but did not meet with them in Natal. They are generally seen in pairs, or in small family parties, frequenting the low bushes, and often running upon the ground. The black collar is some- times entirely absent in immature birds.
82. Laniarius olivaceus (Shaw).
I shot two specimens in the thick bush near Durban, but never heard their note ; and as they were very cautious in their movements, it was exceedingly hard to find them. Those that I met with were slowly climbing up amongst the tangled boughs.
83. Laniarius quadricolor, Cass. Red-throated Black- collared Shrike.
I saw several specimens which had been collected at Dur- ban and Pinetown.
84. Laniarius siMiLis (Smith). Yellow-browed Shrike. Apparently of rare occurrence about Durban.
85. CoRvuLTUR ALBicoLLis (Lath.) . White-collared Raven. I saw it occasionally in Cape colony, but more frequently
at Pinetown, near Durban.
86. BuPHAGA ERYTHRORHYNCHA, Staul. Lcssei Becfcatcr. Common about Durban and Pinetown, where they may be
seen climbing all over the cattle in search of parasites. On approaching a flock thus engaged, they quickly resort to the backs of the animals, where they may be seen in rows, just before taking flight. On leaving they rise for some fifty or
78 Captain (i. E. Shelley's Three Months
sixty feet, and then fly straight away. A young caged bird of this species at Pinetown was very tame, always flying to- wards any one who came near, and chattering most loudly if not taken notice of.
87. Lamprocolius melanogaster, Linn. Black-bellied Glossy Starling.
This is the most abundant of the Glossy Starlings on the Berea hills about Durban, being more of a woodland bird than the next species, and always met with in flocks. Beak and legs black j irides golden yellow.
88. Lamprocolius ph(enicopterus, Sw. Red-shouldered Glossy Starling.
Plentiful in the more open country about Durban and Pinetown, where they were always in flocks, perching together on the tops of the small trees, whence they keep a sharp look- out, rendering it difficult to obtain a shot at them.
89. Pholidauges verreauxi, Finsch & Hartl. Verreaux^s Glossy Starling.
To be met with about Durban and Pinetown, but apparently not very common.
90. Amydrus bicolor (Gmel.). Brown-and-white Glossy Starling.
I frequently saw flocks of this species in Cape colony and at Mossel Bay. In habits they much resemble our common Starling, but their wider wings give them a less compact ap- pearance when flying. All the specimens I procured in January were in the moult. In mature specimens the beak is yellow, with the upper mandible and end of the lower one black; irides pale yellow; legs black. In immature birds the pale portion of the beak is buff".
91. Amydrus morio (Daud.).
This species frequents rocky districts, occasionally in large flocks. I saw it at Capetown, Ceres, and Port Elizabeth.
92. HYPHANTORNiSBicoLOR,Vieill. Black-backed Weaver. Inhabits the thickest parts of tlie bush, and, being of an
in()uiring mind, freqiiently approaches an intruder Avithin a
on the Coast of South Africa. 79
few yards, still keeping concealed amongst the thick foliage, though its note is often heard as it creeps through the net- work of boughs. The beak is of a very pale horn-grey, shaded with black on the culmen towards the tip ; legs lilac-pink ; irides dark brown.
93. Hyphantornis spilonota (Vigors). Cape-Weaver.
I met with a flock of this Weaver in the open country to the east of the Umgeni, and shot two in very bad plumage ; one had the irides bright yellow, the other had them brown — being probably male and female.
94. EuPLECTES TAHA, Smith. Taha Bishop bird.
I saw this species both in Cape colony and near Pinetown in marshy localities.
95. Vidua principalis (Linn.). Dominican Widow bird. I met with it in Cape colony, and also about Durban and
Pinetown.
96. Urobrachya axillaris (Smith). Scarlet-shouldered Reed-Finch.
Not uncommon about Durban and Pinetowai, where it fre- quents the reedy districts. On the wing it has a curious slow flapping flight, very similar to that of the Hoopoe.
97. NioBE ARDENS, Rcich. Red-collared Reed- Finch. Tolerably abundant at Pinetown, where it frequents marshy
spots.
98. Pyrenestes albifrons (Vig.). White-fronted Gros- beak.
I have shot this species at Durban and to the east of the Umgeni; bat it does not appear to be common.
99. Estrelda astrild (Linn.). Waxbill.
Very common about Durban and Pinetown and in Cape colony. It is also the most abundant bird in St. Helena, where it has been introduced. I took a nest of this species at Pinetown on the 17th of March ; it was placed on the ground in a thick tuft of grass, and contained five pure white eggs. The nest was larger but of the same shape as that of
80 Captain G. E. Shelley's Three Months
the common Wren, with a well-hidden aperture, was very thick, and composed entirely, inside and out, of a fine wiry green grass.
100. EsTRELDA iNCANA, Sundcv. South-African Grey Bengale.
These Finches are far from common at Durban, where, on the 8th of March, I took one of their nests, containing two pure white eggs. It was placed in a creeper overhanging the footpath, and was easily reached from the ground. In con- struction it was very similar to that of Estrelda astrild, hut smaller and less compact, though made of the same materials.
101. Lagonosticta rubricata (Licht.). Ruby -breasted Bengale.
Tolerably abundant about Pinetown.
102. Passer arcuatus (Gmel.). Cape-Sparrow.
I shot several specimens of this Sparrow and also of the next species at Wellington, in Cape colony.
103. Passer diffusus. Smith. Southern Grey-headed Sparrow.
104. Crithagra sulphurata (Linn.). Common in the pine- woods near Capetown.
105. Crithagra butyracea (Linn.). Cape-Canary.
I met with this Finch in the open country near the Paarl, in Cape colony.
106. Crithagra chrysopyga. Swains. Yellow-rumped Canary.
Very common at Pinetown.
107. Fringillaria capensis (Linn.). Cape-Bunting.
Abundant in Cape colony, where it appears chiefly to fre- quent the rocky districts. Where I saw it most numerous was at the Paarl, usually in pairs. Beak horn- colour, greyish towards the base of the lower mandible ; irides dark brown ; legs nearly black. Length of specimen in the flesh 6*1 inches.
on the Coast of South Africa. 81
108. Fringillaria flaviventris (Vieill.). Southern Yel- low-bellied Bunting.
I shot but one specimen of this Bunting, at Pinetown, in the open country, near where the grass had been recently burnt.
109. Megalophonus apiatus (Vieill.) . Clapper-Lark. Not an uncommon Lark in Cape colony, where I found it
amongst the low bushes in the plains. It flies but a short distance when disturbed, and never appears to run on the ground. The specimen I preserved had the beak dark horn- colour, with the basal two thirds of the lower mandible, and the edges of the upper one towards the gape, huffish flesh- colour ; legs white, with a faint pink shade.
110. Megalophonus crassirostris (Vieill.). Thick-billed Lark.
Very plentiful in Cape colony.
111. Megalophonus africanoides. Smith.
I shot a specimen at Durban, where I occasionally met with it in the high grass at the edge of the bush. When dis- turbed it would only fly for a short distance.
112. CoLius striatus. Lath. Cape-Coly.
A very common bird about Durban and Pinetown. They are mostly found in the thick scattered bushes in small flocks of from six to a dozen. When disturbed they fly in a straight line to the next nearest covert, one after another. On the 15th of March, while at Pinetown, I found a nest containing one pure white egg ; it was placed in a bush two feet from the ground, and was open and shallow, the bottom part of old dried grass, with the sides and lining of dead leaves.
113. Corythaix musophaga (Dubois). White-crested Touraco.
A pair of these birds flew across my path while in the thick wood about twelve miles east of the Umgeni, when I procured one. Beak orange-brown ; irides brown ; legs black.
SER. III. VOL. V. G
82 Captain G. E. Shelley's Three Months
114. CoRVTiiAix poRPHYRioLOPHUs, Vig. PurjDlc-crested Touraco.
This handsome species is fairly plentiful about Durban, especially in the less frequented woods to the east of the Um- geni and at Pinetown, where its loud rough notes, somewhat resembling the word "Tourakoo^^ repeated successively several times, may be frequently heard in the morning and evening. It resorts mostly to the larger trees, where I have frequently watched three or four playing together, hopping from bough to bough, depressing and expanding their tails, and at intervals displaying the rich crimson on their wings. There are few more striking birds than the present one and some of the allied species as they fly gracefully across the path in front, or are watched during their quaint but pleasing gambols. Beak and legs black ; irides dark brown ; eyelids scarlet.
115. Toccus FLAViRosTRis, Riipp. Yellow-billed Hornbill. I met with some very large flocks of this Hornbill to the
east of the Umgeni, but did not see it elsewhere.
116. POGONORHYNCHUS TORQUATUS, Dum.
Very common about Pinetown ; but I never met with them nearer the coast. They were generally in pairs, frequenting the scattered trees at the edges of woods. Beak black ; irides red-brown ; legs slaty brown.
117. Ceuthmochares australis, Sharpe. South- African Coucal.
I shot two specimens at Durban, where they frequent the upper branches of the higher bush, rendering it very difiicult to see them through the thick foliage. Length in the flesh 14 inches; beak chrome-yellow, with a clear triangular black mark extending about halfway down the culmen ; irides crimson.
118. Centropus superciliosus, Riipp. White-eyebrowed Bush-Cuckoo.
This is the common Centropus about Durban. I shot a
on the Coast of South Africa. 83
few specimens ; but they were in such bad plumage, both in March and April, that I did not preserve them.
1 19. CucuLus SMARAGDiNEUs, Swains. Emerald Cuckoo. Fairly plentiful about Durban and Pinetown, where they
frequent the thick forest.
120. CucuLus cupREUS (Bodd.). Golden Cuckoo.
The rarest of the three metallic Cuckoos about Durban, where I only saw it in collections.
121. CucuLus KLAAsi, Stcph. Klaas's Cuckoo.
Not uncommon in the neighbourhood of Durban and Pine- town, at both of which places I shot specimens. It frequently selects an open branch of a large tree for its perch.
122. Treron delalandii, Bp. Delalande's Fruit-Pigeon.
I saw a specimen of this Pigeon at Pinetown. They gene- rally keep well hidden amongst the foliage of the large trees, where, owing to their green colour, they are extremely diffi- cult to observe ; and relying on this natural protection they sit close, often allowing stones to be thrown into a tree before they will take wing.
123. Stict(enas PH.f:oNOTUs, G. R. Gr. South-African Speckled Pigeon.
I found this very common in the rocky districts of Cape colony, and occasionally feeding in large flocks on the arable land. I am told that it comes to Durban at certain seasons in great numbers ; but I did not meet with it there in March or April. Beak horn-colour, fading into white over the nos- trils ; irides pale yellow ; eyelids crimson-red ; legs red.
124. (Ena capensis, Linn. Black-throated Dove.
Very plentiful throughout Cape colony, where I always found them on the more open ground.
125. Turtur albiventris, Gray. Ash-bellied Turtle Dove. In Cape colony this Dove is very abundant, frequenting
both the woodland and the rocky districts, but is especially
g2
84 Captain G. E. Shelley's Three Months
abundant near springs, where its loud call-note may he con- stantly heard.
12(5. Peristeka LARVATA (Temm.). Rufous- breasted Wood- Dove.
Very common in the tliick bush about Durban, where its brown colouring renders it hard to detect as it sits motion- less on the low creepers in the darker parts of the forest. When disturbed it flies rapidly, but for only a short distance ; and I did not observe it at other times on the wing, as it never appears in the open. On the 11th of April I found two of their nests, placed about four feet from the ground, in the low creepers close to the same path, and nearly opposite to each other. The nests were similar to those of Turtur auritus ; each contained two eggs nearly ready to hatch. Beak black ; irides dark lilac ; space round the eye and eyelids red, with the central portion above and below the eye grey ; legs red.
127. Peristera tympanistria (Temm.). White-breasted Wood-Dove.
Very plentiful about Durban. Entire length in the flesh 7'8 inches. Beak deep lilac, tipped with horn-colour; irides very dark brown ; eyelids deep lilac ; bare space round the eye dark slate-colour ; legs lilac-red.
128. Peristera chalcospila (Wagl.). Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove.
Common about Durban and Pinetow^n. I cannot agree with those authors who unite this species with P. afra, the latter bird having the spots on the wing steel-blue ; for in the many specimens of P. afra Mr. T. E. Buckley and myself shot in Fantee, not one had any shade of green on these spots, while those which I have killed in S. Africa have the spots uniform metallic green. Length in the flesh 7*9 to 7*4 inches. Beak deep purple horn-colour ; irides very dark brown ; bare space round the eyes slate-colour ; legs deep lilac.
129. Francolinusafer (Miill.). South-African Francolin. I found this species fairly plentiful, either singly or in
on the Coast of South Africa. 85
small coveySj between Wellington and Ceres^ in Cape colony. When disturbed, their flight, though strong, is slow, and rarely sustained for any great distance.
130. Francolinussubtobquatus, Smith. Coqui Francolin. The only species of Francolin I found near Durban ; and as
there are game-laws prohibiting Partridge-shooting earlier than the middle of April, I did not go out of my way to pro- cure this species. Beak yellow, with the tip, culmen, and nostrils black ; irides hazel; legs yellow.
131. Francolinus capensis (Gm.). Cape- Francolin.
I met with this bird only in Cape colony, where it ia moderately plentiful.
132. TuRNix HOTTEXTOTA (Tcmm.). Hottentot Button- Quail.
I found this species fairly plentiful in the long grass about Pinetown. Length in the flesh 6 inches. Beak flesh-colour, shaded on the culmen with pale brown ; irides white ; legs flesh-colom\
133. EuPODOTus APRA (Gmcl.) . Cape Knorhan Bustard. I met with this species at Ceres, in Cape colony.
134. ^GiALiTis HiATicuLA (Liun.). Riug-Plovcr.
Not uncommon at Durban. The skin I brought home agrees perfectly with English-killed specimens.
135. iEoiALiTis TRicoLLARis (Vicill.). Treble-collared Sound-Plover.
I met with this Plover very plentifully at a small pond be- tween Stellenbosch and the Paarl, in Cape colony, and oc- casionally close to Durban. It prefers fresh water to salt, and in habits is very similar to jE. minor.
136. ^GiALiTis MARGiNATA (Vieill.) . African Sand-Plover. I constantly saw large flocks of this Plover on the marshy
ground surrounding the Durban bay. A specimen I mea- sured was 6'-i inches in length. Beak black ; legs greyish flesh-colour ; irides dark brown.
137. tEgialitis sANCT^-HELENiE, Hartiug. Wire-bird. Only found in St. Helena, where I met with it on the bar-
86 Three Months on the Coast of South Africa.
ren rocky ground by the side of the road, about one and a half miles out of the town.
138. Ardea cinerea, Linn. Common Heron. Plentiful both in Cape colony and Natal.
139. Herodias garzetta (Linn.). Little Egret.
At the mouth of Salt River_, near Capetown, I shot the only specimen I saw.
140. Ardetta podiceps, Bp. South-African Little Bittern. I shot an immature specimen of Little Bittern at Ceres, in
Cape colony.
141. Scopus umbretta, Gmel. Hammer-head.
I found it near Ceres and in the neighbourhood of Durban. It appears to be common thi'oughout South Africa.
142. ToTANus canescens (Gmel.). Greenshanks. Not uncommon about Durban.
143. ToTANUs GLAREOLA (Liuu.) . Wood-Saudpipcr. Also common at Durban.
144. AcTiTis HYPOLEUCA (Linn.). Common Sandpiper. I shot several specimens near Durban.
145. Tringa minuta, Leisl. Little Stint. Frequently met with in flocks in Cape colony.
146. Calidris arenaria (Linn.). Sanderling.
Very plentiful at the mouth of Salt River, close to Cape- town.
147. Parra africana, Gm. Greater African Jacama.
I met with a pair of Jacamas in a small pool near Durban, and, although I knocked them both down, I could not secure either.
] 48. Larus vetula, Bruch. South-African Black-backed Gull.
Common along the coast from Capetown to East London ; and I occasionally saw it at Natal Point. This is the only species of Gull I recognized during my tour in South Africa.
Notes on Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 87
149. Sterna cantiaca^ Gmel. Sandwich Tern. Common about Capetown. It was the largest Tern I saw
there.
150. SuLA CAPENSis, Licht. South-African Gannet.
I frequently saw this bird between the Cape and Port Elizabeth.
IV. — Notes on a ' Catalogue of the Accipitres in the British Museum/ by R. Bowdler Sharpe (1874) . By J. H. Gurney.
The following notes on Mr. R. B. Sharpens very excellent and valuable ' Catalogue of the Accipitres or Diurnal Birds of Prey in the collection of the British Museum/ have been put together with two objects : — the first, to supply a few items of additional information respecting some of the species to which Mr, Sharpens work refers ; the other to record some points in regard to which my conclusions differ from those at which Mr. Sharpe has arrived.
The catalogue itself bears ample testimony not only to the scientific accuracy and laborious research of its author, but also to the great richness of that portion of the national col- lection to illustrate which the volume now under considera- tion has been devoted, though it is to be regretted that up- wards of thirty species, included in the catalogue as forming part of the collection in the British Museum, appear to be only found there in the form of unmounted skins, and are therefore not represented in the ornithological gallery, where the student naturally expects to meet with every species which the museum possesses.
Mr. Sharpe separates the Griffon Vulture of Spain and Northern Afi'ica as a subspecies under the name " Gyps hispaniolensis ; " but I much doubt if such distinction can be maintained"^. Mr. Sharpe considers that in Spain and Al- geria "the Griffons are smaller and more rufous.^'
I doubt this supposed difference in size being constant, if
* If this subspecies be maintained as distinct, I tliink it should bear the specific name of occidetitalis, which Bonaparte, in his ' Conspectus,'
88 Mr. J, H. Gurney's Notes on
indeed it exists at all ; and to ascertain this with precision it would be needful that individuals of the like sex should be compared^ as in Gyps fulvus the male bird is, so far as I have observed, usually larger than the female.
The rufous colouring to which Mr. Sharpe alludes, I be- lieve to be limited in Algeria to immature birds, and I think it probable that such is the case in Spain also. The specimen described by Mr. Sharpe as an adult of G. hispaniolensis is, in my opinion, proved to be immature by the ruff being com- posed, not of white down, but of " lanceolate feathers, whitish, with fawn-coloured margins.^' The colour of the crop-patch, to which Mr. Sharpe attaches much importance, seems to me to vary with age, becoming less rufous in adult specimens of G. fulvus than it is in those that are immature.
The following is a description of an adult male of G. fulvus from Souk H arras, in Algeria, which is preserved in the Nor- wich Museum, and which appears to me to be a very typical example of the ordinary form of Gyps fulvus in its adult stage.
Entire plumage pale stone-colour, except the feathers of the tail, which are darker, as are the quill-feathers of the wing, but the latter are shaded with grey — and also except- ing the greater wing-coverts, in which the central part of each feather is of a darker tint than the general plumage ; crop-patch dark stone-colour, mingled with narrow pale streaks ; ruff composed of white down, and fullest at the back of the neck, head covered with sparse white hairs, especially on the hinder part.
So far as I have observed, the pale stone-coloured plumage, the ruff composed of white down only, and the hairy cha- racter of the filaments on the head are the invariable charac- teristics of the adult stage of G. fulvus.
The following are the measurements of the Algerian male specimen above described — entire length 45^ inches, wing from carpal joint 30, tarsus 4, middle toe without nail 3|.
applies, at p. 10, to the Griffon of " the Pyrenees and Sardinia ; " and which A. E. Brehm also applies, with a fuU description, to the Spanish Grilfon, in the Allg. deutsch. Zeit. 1857, pp. 434, 435 ; for whicli latter reference I am indebted to the kindness of Mr, Dresser.
Mr. R. B. Sharjje's Catalogue of Accipitres. 89
Another Algerian specimen, from Laghouat, in the collec- tion of Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., is in very similar plumage, with the exception of some slight remains of immatiu'e dress, chiefly on the underparts, and is of exactly the same dimen- sions, except that the middle toe, which is unusually short in the Souk-Harras specimen (possibly from some defect in pre- paration), measures 4| inches, without the claw, in the ex- ample from Laghouat : of the latter specimen the sex is not marked ; but its dimensions indicate a male bird.
That the Spanish Grifibn Vultures are not always particu- larly rafescent, may be inferred from an immature Pyrenean specimen in the Norwich Museum (sex unknown), which wants the usual fulvous tint of the young birds of G. fulvus. The general colour of this specimen is a drab-brown, with pale shaft-stripes on the interscapularies and upper tail- coverts, and with the crop-patch a chocolate-brown of me- dium intensity.
An immature male from Tangiers, in the same collection, resembles the above, but is slightly paler and with the crop- patch pale fawn-colour. The measurements of this specimen (which I give, as the sex is known) are as under — entire length 45^ inches, wing from carpal joint 28, tarsus 3|, middle toe s. u. 4^.
The Norwich Museum possesses two more immature speci- mens of this Vulture — one from Athens, and the other from North-east Africa (Nubia or Abyssinia) : these two speci- mens are very similar and decidedly rufescent ; the crop-patch in both is fawn-coloured, but rather darker in the African bird than in that from Greece.
A specimen of the Indian Grifibn, for which Mr. Hume has proposed the specific name name oifulvescens, and which was presented to the Norwich Museum by Captain Marshall, who obtained it at Bhurtpoor, scarcely differs in coloration from the specimen from North-east Africa above alluded to, except in having the crop-patch a little paler. This individual is a female; and its measurements are as under — entire length 42 inches, wing from carpal joint 29, tarsus 3f, middle toe s. u. 4^.
90 Mr. J. H. Gurney^s Notes on
The claim of Gyps fulvescevis to specific distinction is one which it may perhaps be wise to keep in abeyance till a larger number of specimens have been compared with western examples of the like age and sex than has been the case at present ; but Mr. Hume, at p. 149 of vol. i. of ' Stray Fea- thers/ certainly adduces some strong evidence of its distinct- ness, viz. that " the young, when only just able to fly, is paler and less rufous a great deal than the adult, and that the oldest birds appear to be the most rufous,"^ and also that out of "thousands ^^ of these A^ultures observed by him in the neighbourhood of Ajmere, " never once did he see one of the pale bu'ds,^^ from which he infers that the adults are always rufescent.
In Mr. Sharpens article, under the head of Gyps meppelli, no description is given of this species in immature plumage ; and it may therefore be not improper to mention that the young plumage of this Vulture, as well as its subsequent phases of coloration, are well described in Baron de Miiller^s ' Description des Nouveaux Oiseaux d'Afrique,^ published at Stuttgart in 1853. To the particulars there given I would only add that there is a considerable individual variation be- tween adult (or nearly adult) specimens of this Vulture, as to the conspicuousness, or the reverse, of the pale margins of the feathers on the greater part of the plumage ; this difference may not improbably be due to the greater or less period which has elapsed since the last moult.
Mr, Sharpe gives the colour of the bill in a nearly adult specimen of C. rueppelli as "deep orange, inclining to greenish horn-colour on the edge of the upper, and on the whole of the lower mandible. ^^ I do not recollect to have seen an ex- ample of this species with the bill so coloured ; the adults that I have seen have agreed in this respect with Dr. Vier- thaler's statement, quoted by Baron de Miiller in the article above referred to, that the colour of the beak is " de corne claire.^'
In younger birds the bill is much darker, and sometimes black, as recorded by Mr. Ayrcs in 'The Ibis' for 1860, p. 206.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue 0/ Accipitres. 91
In treating of the genus Neophron, Mr. Sharpe separates the dark Neophron of tropical Africa from that found in more southern latitudes, on the ground of its being " smaller, with a longer and more attenuated bill/' The appearance of the bill is certainly slightly more attenuated in the tropical specimens which I have examined than in those from South Africa ; but I have not found the absolute length of the bill to be greater in these than in southern examples ; and as to general size, the one race somewhat runs into the other, as may be seen from the following measurements, taken from specimens in the Norwich Museum : —
Height of Upper upper man- mandible dible from Wing from from edge to carpal joint. Tarsua. forehead. culmen. in. in. in. in.
1. Adult, Cape colony (said
to be?) 22 3f 2| i
2. J,immatm-e, Natal. .. . 20 3^ 2| ■ a
3. Adult, North-east Africa
(said to be $ ) 22^ 3| 2f ^\
4. Immature, N.E.Africa.. 19^ 2f 2f |
5. Adult, Western Africa. . 19 2| 2| i
Should the tropical race be admitted as specifically distinct, it will be unfortunate if the laws of priority compel the adop- tion of the specific name of " monachus " which Mr. Sharpe has assigned to it on the authority of Temminck, inasmuch as the same specific name is appropriated to the so-called Cinereous Vulture of more northern latitudes.
Mr. Sharpe, in his article on the Condor, has the following footnote : — '' The Condor from Chili and the Straits of Ma- gellan is always a much finer bird, with more distinct and larger wattles. When we know more of these birds it may prove to be a distinct species, in which case it must be called Sarcorhamphus magellanicus. "
That the southern Condor is specifically distinct, seems to me to be certain ; but whether it should bear the specific name of magellanicus I doubt, inasmuch as Linnaeus gives Chili and Peru as the habitat of his Vultur gryphus in the ' Systema Naturse,' published in 1766. There appears to be no doubt
92 Mr. J. II. Guniey's Notes on
that the large southern race extends to Chili ; but whether it extends to Peru also is, I believe, at present uncertain. If, however, such should be the fact, I apprehend that the south- ern bird must in that case stand as Sarcorhamphus gryphus, and that some other name must be assigned to its smaller- combed and more northern congener.
Mr. Bartlett has been good enough to inform me that in July 1870, when the Zoological Society of London pur- chased a fine adult male of the southern Condor, which was brought from Chili by Mr. Weisshaupt, the same collector also brought thence " three or four young birds in their immature plumage, which, notwithstanding, exhibited in a very re- markable manner the comb and wattles,''^ Mr. Bartlett adds that these young birds were larger than the adults of the small-combed race which were already in the Society^s pos- session.
On the other hand, Dr. Sclater writes to me respecting a male of the small-combed species which lived for forty-five years in Wombwell's Menagerie, and was subsequently pur- chased by the Zoological Society, in the following terms : — " It certainly has not the extra development of comb and wattle which our Chilian bird had, and which are shown in Temminck^s ^Planches Coloriees^ (pi. 494).^^
It is therefore certain that the difference in the comb and wattles of the males of the two races is not due to differences of age, as might at first sight have been supposed.
The splendid adult male of the southern Condor above re- ferred to, which was brought from Chili, and was formerly in the gardens of the Zoological Society of London, passed, at its death, into the hands of Mr. E. Gerrai'd, jun., who in- forms me that its skeleton is now in the collection of the Royal College of Surgeons at Dubhn, where it may afford the means of ascertaining whether any osteological differences of structure exist between this species and its more northern small-combed congener.
The entire plumage of the young birds of both these races of Condor is of a nearly uniform vinous brown; and Mr. Bartlett has known immature specimens of the small-combed
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Cataloyue 0/ Accipitrcs. 93
race to moult from this plumage into the adult state whilst living in the Gardens of the Zoological Society ; but Professor James Orton, in an interesting paper published in the ' Annals and Magazine of Natural History ' for 1871, viii. p. 185, gives reasons for believing that there exists in the neighbourhood of Quito a Condor which permanently wears a plumage like that of the young of the two species of Condor already known ; and, indeed, Professor Orton does not admit the fact of the ordinary northern Condor being brown when young, and sup- poses, though evidently incorrectly, that all the brown Con- dors belong to this alleged third species, which Mr. Sharpe introduces into his Catalogue under the name of " Sarco- rhamphus cequatorialis." I confess to having great doubts as to whether this third species will prove a reality, and I agree with Professor Orton in the remark which he makes in the concluding paragi'aph of his notice of this subject, that '' fur- ther proof is wanted " of the existence of a brown Condor that is not the young of either of the two species akeady known,
Mr. Sharpe, in his Addenda, adopts Mr. Ridgway's generic name of Rhinogryphus for the "Turkey-Buzzard" Vulture and its nearest allies — and describes a new yellow-headed species, under the specific name of " pernigra," as distinct from the orange-headed " urubitinga;" but whether they are really distinct, I at present somewhat doubt, especially as Mr. Sharpe states that both these supposed species occur in Peru, and also in Guiana. Mr. Sharpe partly relies, as a distinc- tion, on the bird to which he assigns the name of " pernigra " having the upper surface of the shafts of the primaries brown, whilst in urubitinga they are white ; but this may be a variable character in the yellow-headed Vultures, as it certainly is in the red-headed Auras.
The Norwich Museum possesses specimens of the red- headed Aura Vulture, in which the quills are brown, from California, Mexico, Ecuador, Chili, and Cuba, and specimens in Avhich they are white or yellowish white from California, Northern Mexico, and Chili, whilst in a specimen from Ja- maica, killed whilst moulting, the shafts of the old feathers are white, and those of the new are brown.
94 Mr. J. H. Gurney's Notes on
I am disposed to agree with Mr. Sharpe in the view which he takes of Rhinogi'yphus burrovianus being only founded on undersized specimens of R. aura ; such a specimen^ obtained in Florida, is preserved in the Norwich Museum, and has the outer side of the shafts of the primaries white.
The colour of the head in the Vultures of this genus (as observed in life) being so important a character, it may be worth while to quote a translation of the description of this colouring given by the late Prince Maximilian of Wied, as observed by him in the Aura Vultures with "yellowish white " shafts to the primaries which he met with in Brazil, and which I take to be the race to which Mr. Sharpe re- stricts the specific name of urubitinga, viz. : —
Adult. Iris beautifully red, between carmine and vermilion ; bill and cere reddish white ; crown and lower side of head pale violet or sky-blue ; eyelids, side of head, neck, and tlu'oat beautiful grey-orange colour.
Immature. Iris blackish grey ; head in very young birds reddish grey, whitish on the crown and over the eye ; neck bluish, subsequently to which the head becomes reddish violet, with a whitish blue patch on the occipital region.
Mr. Sharpe does not follow Mr. Ridgway^s example in se- parating the great Vulture of California from the genus Rhinogryphus, in which he includes this species, and, as it seems to me, with good reason ; but in his article respecting it he omits to mention that in the immature bird the bare skin of the head and neck is of a blackish lead-colour, which is very apparent where not covered by the sparse brown down with which the head is partially clothed (especially to- wards the occiput) in young specimens. My friend, Mr. Alexander S. Taylor (of California) , however, has stated his belief that this dark coloration of the head and neck is always found in the adult female bird as well as in immature speci- mens. A similar opinion is expressed in the following remark by Dr. J. G. Cooper, at p. 500 of the first volume on orni- thology, published in the ' Reports of the State Geological Survey of California ' : — " The female retains a darker hue of head and neck through life [than the male], and also, as ob-
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 95
served by Taylor, a row of black spots on the white portion of the w^ing-feathers."
Passing on from the Vulturidse to the Polyborinse, I may mention that the Norwich Museum possesses an adult speci- men of Polyborus cheriway from Brazil, a habitat not quoted for this more northern race by Mr. Sharpe ; but unfortunately we have no record of the district in Brazil where this speci- men was obtained.
Referring to the succeeding genus Ibycter, I am able to supplement Mr. Sharpens description of the adult plumage of Ibycter ater by some particulars respecting an immature spe- cimen in the Norwich Museum from the river Amazon. In this example the white caudal band extends over the upper two thirds of the tail, and is crossed by five successive trans- verse black bars, increasing in breadth from the top down- wards, the uppermost bar being about a quarter of an inch in depth, and the lowest nearly half an inch, causing the general appearance of the tail to bear a marked resemblance to the tail of the adult bird of Ibycter chimachima.
The remainder of the plumage of this specimen is of a paler and more purplish black than in the adult bird, except some portions of the plumage of the back and breast, which seem to have been recently moulted, and to have thus assumed the ordinary adult coloration.
A specimen resembling the above in the markings of the tail is figured in Temminck^s ' Planches Coloriees ' (pi. 342) .
It seems probable that Ibycter fasciatus of Spix is merely the immature bird of /. ater in the plumage above described.
In a very nearly adult specimen from Quito, in the Nor- wich Museum, the pure white caudal band is varied by two small isolated black spots, which I have no doubt are the re- mains of the black transverse bars which cross this portion of the tail in the young bird. A similar stage of plumage, but with more numerous black spots, is figured in the ' Planches Coloriees ' (pi. 37).
It appears to me that the late Mr. Gr. R. Gray in his 'Genera of Birds,' and in his ' Hand-list,' followed a natural arrange- ment in restricting the genus Ibycter to the arboreal species
90 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
of this group, and in placing the non-arboreal speeies in the separate genus of Milvayo ; but Mr. Sharpe has united both under the head oi Ibycter, influenced, no doubt, by the absence of any very trenchant generic characters by which the distinc- tion of the two groups might be defined.
Mr. Sharpe comprises the genus Cariama amongst the Polyborinse, but has not stated his reasons for this arrange- ment, which, I think, is to be regretted. It is, of course, very possible that the position assigned by Mr. Sharpe to this abnormal genus is the correct one, though I confess that I have grave doubts as to that being the case ; but in the absence of any explanation of Mr. Sharpe's views on the question, I do not consider it desirable here to discuss it.
[To be continued.]
V. — Notes on Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan' {Turkes- tanskie Jevotnie). By H. E. Dresser.
In the Transactions of the Imperial Society of Naturalists of Moscow, vol. viii., a most important article on the fauna of Turkestan has been published by Mr. N. A. Severtzoflf, and has also been issued as a separate work under the title of " Vertikalnoe e Gorozontalnoe Raspredalenie Turkestanskie Jevotnie'^ (Moscow, 1873), of which a copy has been sent to me by Mr. Severtzoflf. Unfortunately the entire work is written in Russian, a language, to say the least of it, almost unknown to ornithologists of other countries. Having, thanks to the assistance rendered by Mr. Carl Craemers, made a translation of all that relates to ornithology, I give the fol- lowing extracts, which I trust may be of use to working or- nithologists, more especially as several new species are de- scribed by Mr. Severtzoff.
The range of the various species inhabiting or visiting Tur- kestan is carefully given in tabular form, divided into two sections, the first comprising the horizontal range, and being divided into four districts, viz. : —
I, The north-eastern district, comprising Semiratchje, Issik- kul, the upper Narin, Acksay, Kopal, and Vernoe.
Severtzoff's ' Fauna of Turkestan.' 97-
II. The south-eastern district, comprising Chu, Talhis, Djumgal, Susamir, the lower Narin, Son-kul, and Chatir-kvil.
III. The north-western district, comprising Karatau, the western Thian-shan mountains, the upper portions of the rivers Aris, Keless, Chirchick, and their tributaries, the lower Syr-Darja, from the sources of the Aris to Lake Aral and the delta of the Syr-Darja.
IV. The south-western district, comprising the Chodjent district, the entire Zarevshan valley from the summit of the Zarevshan mountains, the Syr-Darja river and the steppes between the latter river and the Kisil-eum.
The second section comprises the vertical range, showing the altitude at which the various species are met with. This is divided into five districts, viz. : —
1. From 600 to 1000 feet above the sea-level, comprising the salt plains.
2. The cultivated districts, grassy steppes, and gardens to 3000 or 4000 feet altitude.
3. The larch-Avoods, apple- and ash-groves of the Karatau and the lower Thian-shan mountains to an altitude of 4500 feet^ or even in some places to 7000 or 8000 feet, or, say, an average altitude of about 6000 feet.
4. The fir and birch districts of the Thian-shan to an alti- tude of from 8500 to 10,500 feet, or to the juniper district.
5. The district covered with alpine grasses, below the line of eternal snow, at from 10,500 to 14,000 feet altitude.
Being unable to reproduce these tables, I have defined the range by referring to the districts above given under each species, which will, I trusty answer the purpose.
In cases where I can with a fair degree of certainty iden- tify the species described, I have added short notes of my own, but have in every case deemed it best to copy Mr. Severtzoff^s description where he has described a species as new.
I. Gyps himalayanus, Hume.
Ch/ps nivicola (Severtzoft'), pp. 62 & 111.
Horizontal range. Resident in district I.
Vertical range. A winter visitant in district 3, a resident
SER. III. VOL. V. H
98 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
in district 4^ where it breeds, and probably also nests in dis- tricts 3, 4, and 5.
This species, described as new by Severtzoff, is by him stated to be larger than Gyj)S fulvus, but resembling G. in- ilicus, which, however, is smaller than G. fulvus. His de- scription of the adult bird, from the upper Narin, at the head- waters of the Curmecta river, at an altitude of 9500 feet, is as follows : — " Head and neck covered with short white down, the lower throat with hairy light brown feathers on each side, marked with a line of white down ; feathers on the fore part of the back and the upper surface of the Avings fresh greyish yellow, marked with barely perceptible lighter lines (but this colour gradually fades to dirty white) ; feathers on the breast yellowish, marked with light-brown lines and spots ; abdomen, under tail-coverts, lower back, and rump dull yellowish white ; upper tail-coverts dark brown, marked with very distinct white lines; tail, quills, and larger wing-coverts blackish brown tipped with yellowish ; under wing-coverts white, ex- cept that the first in order have a dark base. Total length 3-9-4-3 inches, extent 8-9-9-7/' The young birds he de- scribes as resembling the adults, but being much darker, and says that he saw, on the wing, some which were pure white, with only the wings and tail black, which he supposes to have been very old birds.
This species has been shown by Mr. R. B. Sharpe (Cat. Brit. Mus. Accipitres, p. 8) to be identical with the Vul- ture described by Mr. A. O. Hume {' Rough Notes,^ i. p. 14), whose name will take precedence, and that of G. nivicola sink into a synonym.
2. Gyps fulvus, Gm. ; SevertzoflF, p. 62.
Horizontal range. Found during the breeding-season in districts I., II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. In districts 1, 2, 3, 4. It is stated to breed in district 3, and perhaps also in district 4.
3. VULTUR MONACHUS, L.
Vultur cinereus, Severtzoff, p. 62.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV.,
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 99
being also met with during the winter season in the tvro latter.
Vertical range. Observed both in the summer and in the winter season in districts 1 and 2, in summer only in district 5, and breeds in districts 3 and 4.
4. Otogyps calvus, Gray; Severtzoflf, p. 63. Horizontal range. An occasional summer visitant to dis- trict III.
Vertical range. Also an occasional straggler during sum- mer in district 2.
5. Neophron percnopterus, L. ; Severtzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Is found during summer in districts 1 and
2, and is said to breed in district 3.
6. Gypaetus barbatus, L. ; Severtzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Occurs during the summer in districts 1
and 2, and breeds in district 3.
7. Haliaetus albicilla, L. ; Severtzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. Occurs during winter in districts I., II.,
and III.
Vertical range. Occurs during winter in districts 1, 2, and 3 (in the last during passage), and is an occasional straggler during migration to district 5.
8. Haliaetus leucoryphus, Pall. ; Severtzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. During summer it is tolerably common
in districts I., II., and III., and rare during the winter also in district III.
Vertical range. During the winter it is rare in district 1, and commoner there during summer, being also found at the latter season in district 2.
9. Aquila fulva, var. nobilis. Pall. ; Severtzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., and III. Vertical range. Resident in districts 1, 3, and 4, and occurs
both during summer and winter in district 2,
H 2
100 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
/3. A. intermedia (ad. A. chrysaetos), SevertzofF, p. 63.
This form of the Golden Eagle, which I can scarcely re- f^ard as being even a true subspecies, has the same vertical range as the A, fulva above referred to ; but its horizontal range is given as follows : " resident in districts III. and IV.^' Mr. SevertzofF speaks of it (p. 112) as Aqui/a fulva, var. inter- media, and writes as follows : — " The small feathers of the plumage are similar in colour to those in Aqiiila chrysaetos ; but it has the white at the base of the tail, and the quills as in Aquila fulva. This species was met with in the salt plains^ where it also breeds. In the Thian-shan mountains I only met with typical A. fulva {A. nobilis, Pall.). I may here observe that in the Southern Ural both forms of Aquila fulva occui' {Aquila nobilis. Pall., and A. intermedia) , and Aquila chrysaetos ; but in the neighbourhood of St. Petersburg, where I frequently saw A. nobilis and A, chrysaetos, I scarcely ever met with A. intermedia."
10. Aquila heliaca, Savigny.
Aquila imperialis, Severtzoflf, pp. 63 & 112.
Horizotital range. Is found during the summer and breeds in districts I. and II., — and besides breeding in district III., is found there in the winter also.
Vertical range. In district 1 it is resident ; in district 2 it has been observed both in the summer and the winter ; and in district 3 it occurs during passage, and may possibly some- times remain to breed there. Severtzoflf gives (p. 112) the following additional notes respecting this Eagle, viz. : — '' During summer it is found in all parts of Turkestan, but breeds only in the salt plains near Jorteck. During the breeding-season it is only found near its breeding-haunts, but frequently wanders and changes its residence during the win- ter. Like other Eagles, it breeds only every alternate year. So soon as the young are full-gro^vn they commence to change; but the plumage changes very slowly. During the winter the moult is arrested, and recommences in the spring of the fol- lowing year ; and they never breed whilst this moult is pro- gressing. I purpose going more fully into this question in
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.^ 101
my proposed work on the ornithology of European and Asiatic Russia/'
11. Aquila nipalensis^ Hodgs. ; Dresser, B. of Eur. pt. 33. Aquila bifasciata, Gr. (ad. A. orientalis, Cab.); Severtzoff,
p. 63.
Horizontal range. Breeds in district \., is to some extent a partial migrant and to some a breeding species in districts II. and III., and occurs only during migration in district IV.
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1 and 3, and is found on passage only in district 2.
12. Aquila clanga, Pall.; Severtzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., and III. Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1 and 3, and is a strag- gler in district 2.
13. Aquila pennata, Gm.; Severtzoff, p. 63.
14. Aquila minuta, Br. ; Severtzoff, p. 63. /8. Aquila albipectus, Severtzoff, p. 63.
Severtzoff divides A. pennata, as above, into three species — a view in which I cannot agree ; for, as stated by me in pt. 32, ' Birds of Europe,' I have, after careful investigation, come to the conclusion that there is but the one species in Europe and Asia, and the light and dark specimens are but individual varieties of the same species. Severtzoff gives the range of all three so-called species above referred to as follows : —
" Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., and III.
" Vertical range. Breeds in districts 2 and 3, and is an oc- casional straggler in district 4."
He further writes (p. 112) as foUows : —
" There are in Turkestan three distinct forms of this little Eagle, two of which at least constitute good species : viz.,
" A. In Aquila pennata the differences in the various stages of plumage are very noticeable, as the young bird is brown, whereas the adult bird has the underparts white.
" B. In these forms the differences in the old and young birds are very trifling.
'' a. In A. albipectus the underparts are white in all stages of plumage.
102 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
" b. In A. minuta the underparts are brown in all plumages. *'I have found the above differences to hold good in a number of specimens of all ages/'
15. Pandion haliaetus (L.).
Pandion fluviatilis (sp. nov. ?) ; Severtzoflf, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Occurs in the summer in districts I., II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Occurs in summer in districts 1, 2, and 3.
No observations are given respecting this bird, but merely its range is defined.
16. CiRCAETUS GALLICUS (Gm.).
Circaetos brachydactylus (sp. nov. ?) ; Severtzoff, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Found dui'ing summer in districts II. and III.
Vertical range. As above.
Besides this species Severtzoflf includes as a diflferent race, but without giving any particulars as to how it differs,
p. Circaetus orientalis, Brehm ; Severtzoflf, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Possibly a straggler during the summer season in district III.
Vertical range. In district 1 a straggler during the summer.
This latter will most likely be merely a variety of C. gal- licus, as I have been unable to detect any diflference between European and Asiatic specimens, and C. orientalis, Brehm, is merely a synonym of C. gallicus.
17. Pernis apivorus (L.) ; Severtzoflf, pp. 63 & 112. Horizontal range. Occurs rarely and accidentally in district
III. during passage.
Vertical range. An accidental visitant to district 2 during passage.
He further writes (p. 112) as foUows : — "The only speci- men I saw in Turkestan I killed on the 17th September. It is remarkably large, and measures 27 inches in length, and 60 inches in extent, whereas the ordinary size of P. apivorus is, length 23 to 24 inches, extent 48 to 53 inches.''
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 103
18. BUTEO FEROX (Gm.).
Severtzoff recognizes three forms of this species, as follows :
«. Buteo leucurus, SevertzoflF, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts 1., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1, 2, 3, and 4, and is common in district 2.
/8. Buteo rufinus, Severtzoff, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1 and 2, in the latter of which it is common.
7. Buteo nigricans, Severtzoff, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Is found during the breeding-season in districts III. and IV.
Vertical range. Breeds in district 2.
Respecting the above three forms he writes (p. 112) as fol- lows : — " B. rufinus differs from B. leucurus in having dark bands on the tail, the latter having the tail uniform light brown, or greyish brown. The markings on the tail vary considerably, being sometimes confined to the terminal por- tion, whereas in other specimens the entire tail is very dis- tinctly barred. B. nigricans is blackish brown or blackish in colour, the plumage having a metallic lustre : its tail is grey barred with black ; but in some specimens the tail is reddish grey, the nape, breast, and shoulders being similarly coloured, and in fact these specimens are intermediate between B. ni- gricans and B. rufinus. It appears that the gradation between these forms is about the same as that between B. leucurus and B. vulgaris ; and it would therefore seem as if these had originally belonged to one species, B. vulgaris inhabiting the northern forests, and B. leucurus inhabiting the southern steppes."
19. Buteo vulgaris, Leach ; Severtzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. Rare during winter in district I. Vertical range. Rare during winter in districts 2 and 3.
20. Archibuteo lagopus (Gm.). Buteo lagopus, Severtzoff, p. 63.
104 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
Horizontal range. Found during winter in districts I., II., and III.
Vertical range. Same as the horizontal range.
21. MiLvus MIGRANS (Bodd.). Milvus ater, Severtzoff^ p. G3.
Horizontal range. Is found breeding in districts I., II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Found breeding in districts 1, 2, and 3.
As a subspecies Severtzoff includes in the tabular list only (p. 63)
/S. melanotis, Temm. {M. govinda, Sykes), the horizontal range of which he gives as similar to that of M. migrans ; but the vertical range differs, it being only found during the breeding-season in districts 2 and 3.
22. AsTUR PALUMBARius (L.) ; Scvcrtzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., and III, but
everywhere rare.
Vertical range. Resident but rare in district 3.
23. ACCIPITER NISUS (L.).
Astur nisus, Severtzoff, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Found during passage in districts I., II., III., aud IV., and may possibly breed in district I.
Vertical range. Found during passage in districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, rare in district 5, and may possibly breed in dis- tricts 3 and 4.
24. ACCIPITER CENCHROIDES (ScVCrtZoff).
Astur cenchrdides [badius ? Gra., Heugl. ; var. major), Se- vertzoff, pp. 63 & 113.
Horizontal range. Found during passage, and is also to some extent to be met with breeding in districts II. and III,
Vertical range. Breeds in district 1, and is found on pas- sage in district 2.
Severtzoff gives (p. 113) the following description and par- ticulars respecting this species : — " Astur cenchroides, nob., is thus called because of the profusion of cross bars, broad as in F. cenchris. In coloration it closely resembles Astur brevipes,
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.'
105
nob. ; and the plate and description of A. dussumieri, Temm. (PL Col. 308, 336), taken from mounted examples in the Paris Museum, may refer to either of or both these species; but when alive these two species differ appreciably, as do also the skins when carefully examined. The differences are as follows : —
ASTUR CENCHROIDES.
Sexes dissimilar in size, the male being much the smallest.
Wings short, as in A. nisus, when closed reaching to half the length of the tail, being half the entire length of the bird. In general form the bird is slight and slender, like A. nisus ; the legs are slight and the feet long.
Iris. In the young bird the iris is white; but in the nearly adult bird it is yellow, and in the very old bird bright red.
Tail. At all stages the central rectrices are crossed by seven to eight bars ; and the outer ones have nine to ten bars ; but these latter disappear in very old specimens.
In all stages of plumage this spe- cies has a long dark line along the throat.
ASTUR BRKVIPES.
Sexes similar in size.
Wings long, when closed extend- ing beyond the centre of the tail, the tail being short. The bird is thick- set in form, and the legs and feet are stout and massive, like A. pa- lumbarius.
Iris. In the young bird the iris is brown, whilst the old bird has it bright yellow.
Tail. The number of cross bars on the tail differ according to age, the young having five bars on the central and seven on the outer rec- trices, whereas the adult birds have as many as from seven to nine.
The black line on the throat dis- appears as the bird gains its adult dress.
" The adult of A. cenchroides has the upper parts generally and the cheeks light grey, as in Strigiceps ( Circus) cyaneus ; quills greyish brown ; tail light grey, shaded with white and barred with dark brown, these bars being somewhat indistinct on the central rectrices ; underparts white, with a dark greyish brown line on the throat ; breast, abdomen, and thighs marked with light brown lines, shaded off with yellow ; flanks washed with dull yellowish ; under tail- coverts pure white ; bill blackish, towards the base bluish ; cere and feet yellow ; iris red
'' The adult female is darker than the male, and the iris is light yellow ; at least a female that I had caught and trained
106 Mr. II. E. Dresser's Notes on
had yellow eyes ; but it is possible that the iris turns from the white of the young plumage to yellow, and then to red.
" In the young bird the dove-blue colour of the adult is replaced by brown, the feathers being margined with yel- lowish; the underparts are marked with large elongated marks. In this plumage it differs from A. brevipes not only in having a white iris, but also in having the breast and abdomen similarly marked, whereas in A. brevipes the breast is marked with square blotches ; but, besides this, the short wings and long tail of A. cenchroides, as well as the many bands on the tail, render it easily recognizable. The measurements of A. cenchroides are : — Male, total length 13' 5- 1 3" 7 inches, extent 23-23-5, wing 7-7-4, tail 6-1, culmen 0-8, tarsus 2-15-2-2, middle toe 1-3-1-4. Female, total length 15-5-16-3, extent 26-6-28, wing 8-1-8-5, tail 6-8-7-1, culmen 8-25-9, tarsus 2-15-2-2, middle toe 1-3-1-4.
" In Turkestan we found this species during migration at Aulje-ata and Chimkent (and the Kirghis say that it also occurs in the forests), near the Syr-Darja, Chu, and Talass.^^
25. Falco sacer, Gm.; SevertzoflF, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Occurs in districts I., II., III., and IV. during migration, and has been observed during the winter in districts III. and IV.
Vertical range. Is met with during migration in districts 1, 2, and 3, and during the winter in district 2.
2Q. Falco babylonicus, Gurney.
Falco tscherniaievi, sp. nov., Severtzoff, pp. 63 & 114.
Horizontal range. Is found during migration and breeds also in districts I., II., and III.
Vertical range. Breeds in district I., is found during mi- gration in districts 2 and 4, and may possibly breed in the latter, and is met with in summer, and perhaps breeds in district 3.
Mr. Severtzoff refers this bird to the species figured by Gould in part xx. ' Birds of Asia,' and with a query to F. babylonicus, Gurney, with which I believe it to be identical. The specimen on which he founded his species was obtained
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 107
by General Tseherniaieflf in June 1864, at the taking of Aulje- ata ; and he says that he has altogether seen six specimens, two of which were taken from a nest in an island in the Volga, and one was obtained in Persia. Mr. Severtzoff describes it (p. 114) as follows : — "This species is an intermediate form between F. peregrinus, F. peregrinoides , and F. lunar ius, Schl. With the latter it agrees in having a light brown head, a character distinguishing that species from the two former ; and with these it has some similarity from its long middle toe and short tarsus, the middle toe of F. lanarius being short. In size it is intermediate between F. peregrinus and F. pe- regrinoides.
The adult female from Aulje-ata measures, length 18" 7 inches, extent 402, wing 136, tail 6*5, culmen 1*2, tarsus 1*8, middle toe without claw 2'1.
A young male from Chimkent measures 18*2 inches in length and 39 in extent, and a young male from Sarepta, length 18*2, wing 13*3, tail 6*4, culmen 1*1, tarsus 1*8, mid- dle toe 2 inches.
27. Falco PEREGRINUS, Tuustall ; Severtzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. Is found during migration, and probr.bly
breeds, in districts I. and II.
Vertical range. Is found during migration, and probably breeds, in districts 3 and 4.
28. Falco ^esalon, Tunstall; Severtzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. Is met with during migration in districts
I. and II., and during winter in districts II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Is met with during migration in districts 1, 3, 4, and 5, and during the winter in districts 1 and 2.
Severtzoff includes a subspecies of the Merlin as
Falco cesalon, /3. alaudarius, Brehm.
Horizontal range. Is met with during migration in dis- trict II., and during migration and in the winter in dis- trict III.
Vertical range. Is found during migration and in winter in district 2.
108 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
He further says (p. 114) that the first specimen he saw was obtained by TerentjefF late in September 1864^ and he (Severtzoff) was struck at once by its small size. In colour, he writes, " it is more brown, the upper parts being almost pure brown ; the nape is marked with blackish lines, the back and shoulders barred with greyish ; tail light brown, with eight greyish cross bands, the underparts yellowish white,
marked with very narrow reddish grey spots.'' " The
male killed at Chimkent in the winter of 1866 is greyer, the spots on the breast are broader, and in general colour it resembles the young of F. aesalon, but is much smaller, measuring, total length 12" 3'", extent 24" 7"', whereas F. cesalon measures 13 inches in length and 24" 6"' in extent. From these descriptions it may be judged whether F. alau- darius is a good species or not ; but it would be necessary to have a larger series in all stages of plumage to determine this. Most probably a small male of so-called F. (Esalon was shot on the Irtysh on the 16th of April, 1864. It measured, total length 12" 1'", extent 25", wing 8" 5"', tail 5", tarsus 13"', middle toe 14'", culmen 7"'. It differs in having the nape lighter-coloured, the feathers being tipped with white ; the feathers on the head, back, and Avings are tipped with yel- lowish, and the tail is strongly barred with blackish."
29. Falco subbuteo, L. ; Severtzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1, 2, and 3.
30. TiNNUNCULUS ALAUDARIUS (Gm.) .
Cerchneis tinnunculus, Severtzoff, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Is met with during passage, and to some extent during the breeding-season, in districts I. and II., and occurs also during the breeding-season and in the winter in districts III. and IV.
Vertical range. In district 1 it occurs during passage, breeds in districts 2, 3, and 4, being met with in winter in district 2, and occurs rarely during the summer in district 5.
31. Tinnunculus cenchris (Cuv.). Cerchneis cenchris, Severtzoff, p. 63.
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 109
Horizontal ra^ige. Breeds in district III. in the mountains of Karatau, and in district IV.
Vertical range. Occurs during the summer, and may pos- sibly breed, in district 1, and breeds rarely in districts 2 and 3.
32. Erythropus vespertinus (L.) ; SevertzofF, p. 63. Horizontal range. Occurs during passage in district III. Vertical range. Is met with during passage in districts 1
and 2, and is a rare straggler during the summer to the lat- ter district.
33. Circus jEruginosus (L.). Circiis rufus, Severtzoif, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Is found during the breeding-season in districts I., II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1, 2, and 3, and occurs during summer in district 5.
34. Circus cyaneus.
Strigiceps cyaneus, SevertzoiF, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Is found during the breeding-season in districts I. and II., and is resident in districts III. and IV.
Vertical range. Is resident and breeds in districts 1 and 2, occurs in district 3 during the breeding-season, and in the summer in districts 4 and 5.
35. Circus swainsoni, Smith. Strigiceps pallidus, Severtzoff, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Occurs during the breeding-season in districts I., II., and III.
Vertical range. The same as the horizontal range.
Respecting these two Harriers, Mr. Severtzoff remarks (p. 115) that the best distinctive character to distinguish them is the marking of the rump. In C. cyaneus, he says, the rump is white, unspotted ; but the feathers are marked with narrow lines, whereas in C. swainsoni the rump, which is white and lineated, is marked with broad and very distinct cross bars, which are grey in the male and brown in the female and young. These differences, he says, are constant, and by
110 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
them the two species can be discriminated in every stage of plumage.
36. Circus cinerarius (Montag.). Strigiceps cineraceus, Severtzoff, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Is found during the breeding-season in districts II. ^ III., and IV.
Vertical range. Is found during the breeding-season in dis- tricts 1, 2, and 3.
37. SURNIA FUNEREA (L.).
Surnia nisoria, SevertzofF, p. 63. Horizontal range. Is resident in district I. Vertical range. Probably occurs during the winter in dis- trict 3, and is resident in distnct 4.
38. Nyctea scaxdiaca (L.) . Surnia nivea, SevertzoflF, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Occurs during winter in district I. Vertical range. Occurs during winter in district 2.
39. ? Carine glaux (Sav.).
Athene noctua orientalis, Severtzoff, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Resident in districts II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Resident in districts 1 and 2, is found in summer, and may possibly be resident, in district 5. Its oc- currence in district 3 is doubtful.
Respecting this species Mr. Severtzoff writes (p. 115) as follows : — '' Athene orientalis differs from Athene noctua of Europe in being greyish brown, like Athene noctua meridi- onalis, from which latter it differs in having its legs covered thickly with feathers; like Nyctala tengmalmi, A. noctua has the orifice of the ear very large, whereas it is small in A. ori- entalis. Athene orientalis is called Ay-chay by the Kirghis, from its cry, and also Hay-kis (literally " inch-quill '') I think that, taking into consideration the pale colour and fea- thered legs, A. orientalis should not be considered a mere variety, but a good species. '^ This bird, described by Severt- zoff, may, I think, possibly be A. nudipes, Hodgs., respect- ing which Mr. Blanford writes (Zool. of Persia, Aves, pp. 117,
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' Ill
118) as follows: —"A. nudipes, Hodgs., of which specimens exist in the British Museum, appears distinct from A. glaux. In the former the toes are feathered above to the base of the claws. I do not think Hodgson's species has ever been de- scribed/^
40. Syrnium aluco (L.) ; SevertzofF, p. 63. Horizontal range. Is rare and may be sedentary in district
III., and is met with sporadically on the Chatir-kul river. Vertical range. May possibly be sedentary in district 3.
41. Strix flammea (L.) ; SevertzofF, p. 63.
Range the same as that of the preceding species, except that it occurs sporadically in the mountains near the Aris river.
42. Scops Giu (Scop.). Ephialtes scops, SevertzofF, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Is found during the breeding-season in districts I., II., and III. j during migration, and possibly breeds, in district IV.
Vertical range. Occurs during migration in district 2, and during the breeding-season in district 3.
43. Bubo ignavus, Forst.
Bubo maximus (var. B. turcomanus, Eversm.) , Severtzoff, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Resident in districts 1, 2, and 3.
The species here referred to is evidently the pale eastern form of the Eagle Owl described by Eversmann as Bubo sibi- ricus, and which Mr. Blanford considers to be a distinct species (r/. Zool. of Persia, Aves, p. 115), but which I only regard as a variety of B. ignavus.
44. Asio AcciPiTRiNus (Pall.). ^golius brachyotus, Severtzoff, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Common during migration in all four districts, but very rare in the summer or winter. It has been observed during the winter in district IV.
Vertical range. Common during passage in districts 1, 2, and 3.
112 Dr. O. Finsch on two New-Zealand Penyuins.
45. Asio oTus.
^golius otus, Severtzoft'^ p. 63.
Horizontal range. Found throughout the country and du- ring passage^ but is very rare at other seasons.
Vertical range. Occurs dui'ing migration in districts ] , 2, and 3, and has been observed during the winter in districts 1 and 2.
[To be continued.]
VI. — On two apparently new Species of Penguin from Neiv Zealand. By Dr. O. Finsch, Hon. M. B.O.U. In a communication from Captain F. W. Hutton, dated ''Dunedin, 30 September, 1874," I received for inspection the subjoined descriptions of two kinds of Penguins, lately procured on the shores of New Zealand. Being pretty well acquainted with the species of the family Ptilopteri, on which I have a monograph nearly ready for publication, I do not hesitate to assert, after a careful comparison, that they both belong to undescribed species.
EUDYPTES VITTATA, Fiusch.
? Aptenodytes papua, Vieill. (nee Forst. nee Gmel.) Gal. Ois. ii. p. 246 (nee diagn.) tab. 299.
" Culminicorn compressed, narrowing posteriorly ; lateri- corn flattened. Top of the head brown, inclining to bluish on the front, and passing into pale brown towards the back of the head. Sides of the head and throat brown ; a broad super- ciliary white streak from the angle between the culminicorn and latericorn to the back of the head, the feathers not pro- longed. The whole of the upper parts of the neck and back brown, inclining to bluish in places. Under surface pure white. Outer surface of wings brown, not margined poste- riorly ; inner surface white, with brown patches on the prox- imal and distal posterior corners. Bill (dry) reddish brown. Feet (dry), toes red, webs blackish.
" Locality. Dunedin (a single specimen) .
"Wing 7*1 inches; bill to gape 2*32, culmen 2*1, breadth •75, height in middle "95; mid toe 2*15, claw '75 ; hind toe •35, claw -25.
Dr. O. Finsch on two New-Zealand Penguins. 113
" Distinguished from E. pachyrhynchus by its compressed bill and short wing and hind toe, as well as its general colours. About the same size as E. pachyrhynchus." (Hutton.)
Captain Hutton suggests that this may be Latham^s '' Red- footed Penguin^' (Gen. Syn. iii. p. 572), but without reason, as a careful examination of the synonymy shows that La- tham's description is based on ^'the Penguin" of Edwards (t. 49 et t. 94, head on right hand), as is also " Aptenodytes catarractes" of Forster (Comm. Soc. Reg. Gotting. iii. 1781, p. 145) and Gmelin (Linn. Syst. Nat. ii. p. 558), and^'PAae- ton demersus " of Linne (S. N. p. 219), and Brisson's '' Catar- ractes " (Ornith. iv. p. 102) . All these descriptions are simply derived from Edwards's figure, which represents a bird the existence of which, in my opinion, will ever remain doubtful, being very likely based on a made-up bird. I do not under- stand how G. R. Gray (Handl. of B. iii. p. 98) and Schlegel (Mus. P.-B. Urinat. p. 8) could identify Edwards's inaccurate figure with E. chrysocoma, Forst., and Gmelin {Pinguinaria cristata, Shaw), even supposing it to be the young bird, with- out tuft — as Edwards's figure, besides other inaccuracies, shows a bird with Mergus-V^ke legs, the tarsus being longer than the middle toe.
E. vittatus, if indeed a true Eudyptes, is easily distinguished from all other members of the Penguin group by its broad white superciliary streak, which runs from the base of bill to the back of head, but which does not consist of elongated feathers.
A close examination of all the existing representatives of Penguins leads me to the belief that very probably to this new species belongs the figure of a Penguin which Vieillot erroneously published under the name of " Aptenodytes pa- pua" (Gal. des Ois. ii. 1834, p. 246, pi. 299), but which is not the well-known species of Sonnerat, Forster, and Graeliu, which Mr. Sclater, from the unfitness of the name, proposed to call Pygoscelis wagleri (P. Z. S. 1861, p. 47)^. To judge from Vieillot's figure and the French description (not the Latin diagnosis, which relates to the true papua), the bird very * [Should not this be called P. t<pmata, Peale?— Ed.]
SER. III. VOL. V. I
114 Mr. R. Swiuhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.
much resembles our E. vittatus, especially in having the white superciliary streak, which runs to the occiput ; but from the delineation of the beak it would appear to be a true Spheniscus, showing the base of the maxilla grooved_, and the tip of the mandible truncated. Vieillot unfortunately does not mention the origin of the specimen ; but as it was drawn from nature by Oudart, the specimen will still probably be found in the gal- leries of the Paris Museum.
EUDYPTES ATRATA, HuttOU.
" Culminicorn broad and rounded, not tapering posteriorly. Latericorn much swollen, witli an oblique groove near its l)ase. Above, from the top of the head to the tail, blue-black. Sides of the head, throat, and whole under surface jet-black. A thin interrupted yellow line from the bill, over the eye, and produced posteriorly into a long yellow crest. Bill (dry) pale l)rownish red. Feet (dry) black, inclining to reddish black on the toes.
"Wing 7'7 inches; tail 4*65; bill to gape 2*75, culmen 2'55, breadth '87, height in middle r22 ; middle toe 2'0, claw '7 ; hind toe *1, claw '1.
" Locality. The Snares (a single specimen only) .
" Distinguished by its massive, deep bill, its very small hind toe, and long tail.
" About the same size as E. pachyrhynchus." {Hutton.)
This species cannot be confounded with any other, regard being paid to the jet-black coloration of its under surface.
VII. — Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo [Province of Shantung, North China). By R. Swinhoe, H.M. Consul.
[Oontiuued from vol. iv. p. 447, and concluded.]
42. Lord Walden^s Shrike. Lanius magnirostris, Less.
I before noted how we found this Malacca species a nume- rous visitor in summer to the places in Central China on the Yangtsze (P. Z. S. 1870, p. 131). I did not know at the time that it is also a visitor to the north, as I never detected it
Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 1 15
passing through Amoy*. On the 31st May Mr. Campbell sent me an adult female from Lighthouse Island ; and on the 27th August I got an immature bird, which, judging from its appearance, I should say was bred somewhere in ovir neigh- bourhood.
The adult female measured 6*75 inches. Wing3'4; first quill '92, 1*2 shorter than the second, which is '49 shorter than the third and fourth, the longest; wing-tip \7 short of tail-tip, '77 longer than tertiaries. Tail 2*8, of twelve gradu- ated feathers, of which the two outer are most so, the outer- most being -5, shortest. Bill deep indigo-grey, '6 from fore- head, -85 from gape, '35 deep at base. Tarsi "9 in front, mid- dle toe and claw '65. Feet and toes lavender-grey, dingy on soles.
Young of the year. — Bill bluish flesh-colour on the basal por- tion, deep brown on the apical portion. Legs and toes violet- leaden, with yellowish grey soles and brownish nails. I have an immature bird of this species, procured by Mr, Wallace in Malacca. This would rather prove that some individuals of this Shrike stay in Malacca to breed, while many wander north for the same purpose.
43. Bull-headed Shrike. Lanius bucephalus, Temm. & Schleg. Faun. Jap.
Constable Webster got a young male of this Shrike on Lighthouse Island on the 5th October. It is reddish brown on the upper parts, particularly so on the crown and nape ; the throat, axillaries, and vent are clear cream-colour, the rest of the underparts more or less rufous, with curvi- linear striations. Its bill was plumbeous fleshy brown, the edge of upper, basal half of lower, and inside of mouth being flesh-colour. Length 8 inches. Wing 3*4, its tip is -5 longer than that of tertiaries, and 2-8 short of tail-tip. Tail 3*6, graduated, the outermost being 1 inch the shortest.
I have a similar immature specimen (marked female) from Amoy, shot there one winter many years ago. An adult
* I now find that my L. iiicertus from Amoy (P. Z. S. 1871, p. .376) is a partially moulted specimen of this specie.s.
1 2
116 Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefou.
female, procured at Tientsin by Mr. Fleming, is rather smaller than the other two, with shorter wing, a much less heavy black bill, and dark brown legs ; its underparts are dingy whitish without rufescence, but with plenty of dark striations and mottlings, which mark also the throat and vent ; its axillaries are dusky; its back is broAvner, while rufous and blackish cross bars of juvenility still mark many of its scapulars and upper tail-coverts. I take this to be the ordinary plumage of the female. The adult male I have never had the pleasure of seeing.
44. Philippine Shrike. Lanius lucionensis, L.
On the 31st May, in company with the specimen of Lord Walden's Shrike, Mr. Campbell sent me a pair of adults of this species. These were certainly in breeding-condition ; and their plumage ought correspondingly to have been nuptial; but they were in reality dingier than specimens shot in Amoy in April. The fine cinnamon-buff of the underparts has paled away ; and the back is rather greyer. Still the female shows a few immature markings on her flanks and upper tail-coverts. The male that I procured in Talienwan on the 26th June, 1860, is even dingier. I have an immature bird procured at Peking in the September of the same year. This is very rufous on the upper parts and tail, and bears some resem- blance to the young of L. magnirostris, but may be distin- guished at first sight by the existence of a dark eye-streak, which is quite wanting in the other at the same stage, and by the continuous striation across the breast, which is only lateral in the other. I transcribe my note on a fresh Chefoo adult.
'' ^ . Length7-75. Wing3-48,first quill 11 long, second 1-23 longer, third and fourth '48 longer again, and slightly longer than the fifth. Wing-tip 2*4 short of tail-tip, '65 longer than tertiaries. Tail 3*75, outer rectrix '95 shortest, next inwards •35 shorter than the others, which are subequal. Tarse in front '85 ; middle toe and claw -88. Bill in front '55, from gape 'Qo."
45. Grey Mixivet. Pericrocotus cinereus, Lafresn. A female of this was procured in May.
Mr. R. Swiiihoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 117
46. Siberian Flycatcher. Butalis sibirica [Gmeh). This was amongst the summer arrivals; and on the 31st
May Mr. Campbell sent me from Lighthouse Island three females and one male. Both sexes abounded in fat ; the males had small black testes, and the females only diminutive eggs, both thus showing that they had further yet to travel. Still some few must have bred not far from us ; for on the 15 th Sept. I got a full-plumaged young bird in the spotted dress. This was also obtained at Lighthouse Island; so it might have come across the gulf. I took down the following note on a fresh female : —
'' ? . Length 5 inches. Wing 3 2, first quill -45, second "2 shorter than the third, which is the longest in the wing, and slightly longer than the fourth ; wing-tip '88 longer than the tertiaries, '75 short of tail-tip. Tail 2 inches, centrals '2 shorter than the rest, which are equal.'^
The immature bird is darker in plumage than the adults, and is at once distinguishable by the small arrow-head shaped yellowish spots that speckle its upper parts, larger on the rump and upper tail-coverts. Its breast and belly are mot- tled with blackish spots on a white ground.
47. Small Greyish-white Flycatcher. Butalis lati- rostris, Raffles.
A male of this species was received with the adults of the foregoing on the 21st May. We already know that it is a summer visitant to Amoorland.
48. Eastern Robin Flycatcher, Erythrosierna albicilla (Pall.).
I received from Mr. Campbell on the 15th May a female of this species with a white throat. It was unfortunately too shattered to preserve. On the China coast in winter we usually get white-throated examples, either females or imma- ture birds ; but I procured one at Pekin on the 15th Septem- ber, 1868, the throat of which is partly red. This I believe to be a young male.
49. Blue Magpie. Cyanopolius cyanus (Pall.).
The bird of this description is larger at Chefoo, with a dis-
118 Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.
tinctly larger bill than Shanghai examples. It affects large trees, is more open in its habits, and is frequently to be seen in parties in company with the pied species. 1 was in hopes it might turn out to be the C. melanocephalus , Vieill., which is expressly stated to come from China ; but on turning to tlie Hist. Nat. des Ois. d'Afrique, plate 58, I find the figure of a bird with the throat and cheeks black ; and in the description of the species I read, '' Le dessus de la tete, les joues et la gorge d^un noir mat.'' In these respects our bird does not difffer from the more southern species ; and I scarcely think superior size, or variation in manners, justifies specific separa- tion. The bird at Chefoo is called the Lan Ya-tcheo, or Blue Magpie, and lays eggs nearly as big as her pied relative. Its nest is small, shaped like that of a Crow, without canopy, and often built on large trees at no great distance from that of the Pied Magpie. When deserted they also are sometimes taken possession of by the Red-leg Falcon. Dr. Williamson induced the boys of the village Tung-Hing (where he resided, super- intending a missionary station) to collect birds' eggs for me. These brought me ten eggs of this species on the 18th of May. One egg was small, with a greenish ground-colour, much as that represented in Dr. Breeds ' Birds of Europe ' (i. p. 142) for the egg of C cooki, Bp., of Spain and Portugal. The others were a good deal larger, more elliptical, and more like those of the Pied Magpies, of a lighter colour, and covered with larger and darker spots. They are nearer that of the Alpine Chough (see p. 154, of the work referred to) . M. Tac- zanowski, of Warsaw, has sent me a Blue Magpie from the river Onon, in Russian Mantchuria. This is of the size and proportions of the bird that abounds near Shanghai, and ex- tends along the alluvial banks of the Yangtsze for over 1000 miles, but is paler and greyer, and has a more boreal ap- pearance. A specimen from Hakodadi, N. Japan, in Mr. Howard Saunders's collection, is like the Shanghai bird. On the strength of this information this larger bird of Chefoo is almost worthy of recognition as a distinct race.
50. Pied Magpie. Pica media, Blyth.
The Ya-tcheo (M.D. 11811, 80791), or Crow-bird, as this
Mr. 11. Swiiihoe's Ornitholoyical Notes made at L'hefoo. 119
species is named by the Northern Chinese^ is numerous at Chefoo, beinoj found in parties in every ckimp of high trees ; and their large canopied nests of twigs may be seen in the higher branches of most trees.
This and the last were the only species of the Crow family that I met with at Chefoo ; but in the Manuscript Illustra- tions of the birds of the neighbourhood^ above referred to, the following additional species are figured, with their names in the vernacular attached ; —
(1) Garrulus sinensis, Gould. Sung y^a (M. D. 9578, 11818), or Pine-Crow.
(2) Corvus torquatus, Lesson. Yu iao y^a (M. D. 12560, 6923, ] 1818), or Gemmed Old Crow.
(3) Fregilus gramlus (L.). Shan Iao y'a (M. D. 9087, 6923, 11818), or Hill Old Crow.
51. Greyish Starling. Sturnus cineraceus, T. & S., Faun. Jap.
Flights of these birds were about the fields when we first arrived at Chefoo ; but the natives never brought it to me among their captures. On one occasion they brought three eggs, w^hich I made out to belong to this species. They re- sembled the eggs of Acridotheres cristatellus, of the south, but were more ovate in form.
52. Daurian Starlet. Sturnia daurica (Pall.).
A specimen of this is figured in the Manuscript Illustra- tions, adhering to a tree, with the name T^'ee-shoo-p^e (M. D. 10073, 9337, 3297), or Stick-to-the-bark. This name in Peking is given to the Goatsucker. This I noted before (in P. Z. S. 1870, p. 439), but, not knowing the Chinese cha- racters, rendered the sounds as I understood their meaning. The artist of the present work has evidently figured a wrong bird.
These little Starlings did not visit our houses and pry about for breeding-sites as the Sturnia sinensis does in South China. Carles shot a pair on the 28th of May in the " Bois de Boulogne,^^ on which I took the following note : —
" c? ■ Length 7 inches. Wing 4*3, 13 longer than ter-
120 Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.
tiariesj -6 shorter than tail ; fii"st quill slightly shorter than the second, which is the longest in the wing. Tail 225, of twelve nearly equal feathers ; upper tail-coverts "9 short of tail-tip, under tail-coverts "1 short. Bill in front "63, from gape "83 ; its colour, with that of the inside of mouth, greyish black. Iris black. Tarse I'l ; middle toe and claw 1; all greenish leaden colour. Large grey testes, much swollen. Stomach containing remains of small flies and beetles.
"?. Length 6-85. Wing 4-2. Tail 2-18. Bill in front •62, from gape •82. Tarse '95 ; middle toe and claw 1. Mem- brane round eye black, as in the male. Bill rather bluer than in male; legs the same. One large yelk nearly ready for laying, and two smaller ones to follow.''^
This pair would certainly appear to have been breeding in the neighbourhood. I have never procured this species on the southern coast.
53. Siskin. Chrysomitris spinus (L.).
Occurred in small flocks in the " Bois de Boulogne " in May.
54. Golden-wing. Chlorospiza sinica (L.).
A resident species in favourable localities. I have seen it flying over head and twittering its Linnet-like notes, while the golden hue of its quills was conspicuous against the clear sky. I procured no specimens. Its native name, as in the south, is Kin-che (M. D. 6369, 858), or Golden-wing.
55. Brambling. Fringilla montifringilla, L.
The Hoo-p^ee neao (M. D. 4078, 8297, 7946), or Tiger- skin bird, so called, still fluttered about the '' Bois de Bou- logne " in small parties in the beginning of May, and were eagerly sought after by the trappers, who attracted them by caged decoys. It seemed a great favourite among the towns- folk.
56. Tree-Sparrow. Passer montanus (L.).
Called Ma-chco (M. D. 7463, 10794), or Horse-bird, in the south, and Kia-cheo (M. D. 5398, 10794), or House-bird, at Chefoo.
Mr. R. Swinhoe^s Ornitholoyical Notes made at Chefoo. 121
57. Eastern Hawfinch. Coccothraustes japonicus, Bp. Name in the MS. Illustrations of this species T'ee Tsuy
(M. D. 10087, 11209), or Iron-bill. I did not meet with the bird at Chefoo.
58. Black-tailed Grosbeak. Euphona melanura {Gmel.). Name in the MS. Illustrations of this species Tsao-hwa
(M. D. 10564, 4199), the 7>fl!0-flower (a water-flag or lily). It did not occur to me.
59. Masked Grosbeak. Eophona personal a (T. & S. F. Japon.).
Name in the MS. Illustrations La-tsuy (M. D. 6854, 11209), or Wax-bill. This is applied to the preceding in the south, where this larger bird does not occur.
60. Rose Finch. Carpodacus roseus (Pall.).
In the MS. Illustrations as the Choo-sha-leao (M. D. 1256, 9065, 7060), or Cinnabar Finch. Pere David procured this at Peking.
61. Ruddy Bunting. Euspiza rutila (Pall.).
On the 17th May the birdcatchers brought me a female of this species. I had not seen this sex before, and was quite at a loss as to what it was. A reference to PaUas^s ' Zoographia Rosso- Asiatica' set me right. I took the following note on the bird : —
" ? . Length 5 inches. Wing 2-8 ; first, second, and third quills nearly equal and longest, fourth a Kttle shorter ; wing- tip '45 longer than tertiaries, 1*4 short of tail-tip. Tail 2. Tarse "63, middle toe and claw '76. Legs and claws yellowish flesh-brown, yellowish on soles. Bill brown on upper man- dible, purplish flesh-colour on lower. The eggs in this spe- cimens were not enlarged.^'
About the end of May I got another female and a male from Lighthouse Island. The species was evidently bound further north.
62. Painted Bunting. Emberiza fucata, Pall.
I procured two males and three females of this pretty species at the end of May, four of which were shot on Light- house Island on the 3lst of that month.
122 Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefuo.
63. Winter Ortolan. Emberiza spodocephala , Pall. Two males and oue female of this also occurred towards the
end of May.
In the MS. Illustrations E. tristrumi is figured under the name Sau-tao-mei (M. D. 8788, 9945, 7&18), or Three- streaked-eyebrow, and E. chrysophrys as the Ilwang-mei (M. D. 4398, 7648), or Yellow-eyebrow. I procured neither at Chefoo.
64. Intermediate Sky-Lark. Alauda cantarella, Bp. These were constantly seen in cages ; and on one occasion
1 saw some young birds of this species offered for sale. The Chefoo people put powdered log-wood into their Larks^ cages, which gives the birds a peculiar but pretty tinge. I did not observe the true Skylark. This is the common species at Ningpo and Shanghai; but I have one specimen of the true A. arvensis also fi'om Shanghai.
65. Eastern Short-toed Lark. Alaudula pispolctta
(Pall.).
This Lark was common about Chefoo, breeding on the dry soil of the millet-fields. A female brought to me on the 21st May measured 5*8 inches. "Wing 3*3; first, second, and third quills equal and longest, \'% short of tail-tip, "55 longer than tertiaries. Tail2"3. Bill '38, from gape • 55. Tarse in front •74, middle toe and claw "68, hind toe and claw •56.
Iris deep brown. Bill brownish white, darker on culmen. Legs and toes flesh-brown ; claws brown. Female, on dissec- tion ; eggs nearly ready to lay. Belly quite bare.
The birdcatchers called this species the Wo-lan ; but how the characters are written I have no means of divining.
A fledged nestling was brought to me at the end of May. It has quite the appearance of a young Sky-Lark. The upper parts, wings, tail, and ear-coverts are deep brown, each feather broadly margined with bufi", especially of the wing-coverts ; the throat and breast are lighter buff'-colour, spotted with brown ; the axillaries, belly, and vent pure white. The bill is yellow at the gape, and the legs sandy flesh-colour.
Their eggs were brought to me in plenty. They do not differ materially from those o{ A. brachydactyla (L.).
Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 123
66. Crested Lark. Galerida cristata (L.). Occurred at the foot of the hills round the Chefoo valley.
PalcBornis cyanocephalus, Linn.
A female of this Parakeet was brought to me on the 4th of October. It was caught in the clutches of a Magpie, who was evidently resenting the intrusion of a foreigner ; for it had apparently escaped from one of the country ships then in harbour. It had been hurt in its conflict with the " Bird of Joy/' and lived only a few hours. As I have noted before, this species has occurred at Canton, in the south of China. I took the following note on its appearance : —
" Bill : upper mandible dull orange-yellow, lower blackish, except on the centre of its base, which is ochreous. Cere greyish brown, with a white border-line in front. Iris nar- row and pearl-white. Hood lavender- grey, brighter on the crown. Nape, neck, and underparts, including the axillaries, yellowish green. Back, wing-coverts, and rump a darker green. An oval spot of deep maroon on the lesser wing- coverts. Quills a fine deep green, with black stems and black edges to inner webs ; first quill wholly black, with yellowish green outer web. Tail green, with black stems, the two cen- tral feathers being blue, with yellow tips. Under tail yel- lowish, under wing blackish. Legs grey. Wing measuring 5*15 inches.
Parrots of many species are brought to China from the Malaccan Straits. They are indiscriminately called by the Chinese Ying-ko {M. D. 12360, 6434) and Leao-ko (M. D. 7060, 64a4), " Hawk's Elder Brother " and " Grackle's Elder Brother."
67. Pied Woodpecker. Picus mandarinus, Gould.
The Chuh-muh neas (M. D. 1603, 7800, 7946), or Wood- tapping bird, is common enough about the fine trees near Chefoo. It is much lighter on the underparts, and has the white spots and markings of the upper parts larger and clearer than in the birds at Ningpo.
On the 20th June some country boys brought me a clutch of four nestlings. They were all males, of difiFerent ages.
124 Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.
varying in extent of red on the crown ; the oldest had most red. The red spot on the breast was conspicuous in three of their number. They all had dark irides^ not white, as in the adult. They hopped about, climbing the legs of chairs most nimbly, pecked furiously at one another, and cried out lustily " chick-chick."
68. Brown-bellied Pied Woodpecker. Hypopicus poli- opsis, Swinh.
This species, which I have only noted before near Pekin, was not uncommon about Chefoo. On the 27th August a male of the year was brought to me, and on the 8th September an adult male. Both of these were procured by Mr. Campbell at Lighthouse Island. The gizzard of the adult contained the remains of the caterpillars of moths. The immature bird had the mottled ruby crown of the adult male ; but its under parts were much lighter, banded and mottled with black on the under neck and breast. Its bill was lead-coloured, leaf- green at base of lower mandible. Irides deep brown. Legs and nails greenish leaden. The adult male is deeper-coloured on the breast and belly than the Pekin bird, and has a red spot on the centre of the breast, which is wanting in the latter.
69. Grey Woodpecker. Gecinus canus (L.).
The Tsao-ta muh-tsze (M.D. 10561, 9687, 7800), or " Scraper and Beater of Wood," of the Chinese, addicted to copses of willows and low trees, is the commonest Woodpecker at Chefoo. I have a female procured on the 12th October, and one male and two female yearlings in the mottled plumage, shot from the same tree by Constable Webster on the 11th July. This species is not found so far south as Shanghai and the Yangtsze plain, where it is replaced by G. guerini, Malh., which again, at Foochow and in Formosa, yields to G. tancolo, Gould.
70. Eastern Wryneck. Yunx japonica, Bp.
I neither saw nor got this bird ; but a very good illustration of it is given in the Chinese manuscript of Chefoo orni-
Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 125
thology, under the name Shay-ling (M.D. 9136, 7268), or Snake^s neck.
71. Cuckoo. Cuculus canorus, L.
On several occasions during the month of May I heard the Cuckoo on the hills around Chefoo. I procured a female in the hepatic plumage, and on the 6th June an adult male. The last had one testis swollen large, the other quite small, though also roundish.
72. Bar-tailed Rock-Pigeon. Columba rupestris, Bp. These were breeding in numbers in the holes and caverns
of the limestone cliffs of Chefoo Head. Constable Webster pulled out in a boat on the 29th June, and returned with three specimens — a male, a female, and a full-grown yearling. The male had enormous testes, the female yelk-developed ova. The young bird had the cere tumid and dark, instead of flesh- grey, as in the adult, and light pinkish feet, instead of blood- pink.
73. Eastern Turtledove. Turtur gelastes, Temm. & Schleg.
Common in all woody places about the port.
74. Summer Dove. Turtur humilis, Temm.
Mr, Crasemann had a female of this species in his aviary, procured from a native birdcatcher.
75. Chinese Pheasant. Phasianus torquatus (Gmel.).
I was not in season for the Pheasant, and never came across it in my rambles ; but I was told that during winter it is brought in numbers to the market.
I may mention that in the MS. illustrations there is the figure of an unknown Pheasant, crested like a "Cheer." Crest and underparts chocolate cream-colour; throat and back black ; quills, rump, and neck dingy ; central tail- feathers spotted with white. Unfortunately no native name is affixed to the drawing, and I could learn nothing of the species from the Chinese at Chefoo.
A pair is also figured of the Gold Pheasant, Thaumalia picta (L.), and marked Kinke, or Golden Fowl.
12G Mr. R. Swinboe's Ornitholoyicul Notes made at Vhejoo.
7Q. Red-legged Partridge, Caccabis chukar, Gray. Not uncommon on the surrounding hills, where they reside and breed.
77. Red-throated Quail. Coturnix japonic a, Bp.
On the 4th May, while on an excursion into the country, we met birdcatchers with small white cloth bags on their way to town. They were carrying Quails, which they had just been catching. These little creatures were arriving in the country in large numbers ; and many were daily caught and brought to market for sale, both for food and for fighting. The males were distinguished as " the Redthroats,'^ the females as " the Whitethroats."
I was surprised to find the northern Quail such a good species, and so distinguishable in its spring moult from the ordinary bird. Besides their more brilliant plumage, the males have the space before the eyes, the cheeks, and the throat a fine pinkish rust-colour, browner in old birds, with a more or less strong indication of a central black mark on the throat ; the females have on the sides of the neck two curved lines of closely set black spots, as in the young male of the common species.
Coturnix vulgaris y«/?omcM5, T. & S., Faun. Japon. Adult male. Length 6" 75. Wing 3*85 ; first and second quills a little shorter than the third and longest ; wing-tip '9 longer than tertiaries, "5 short of tail-tip. Tail I'/S, of twelve soft graduated feathers, curved downwards. Tarse '9, feathered a little in advance of joint; middle toe "9, its claw "2. Iris rich sienna brown. Bill yellowish brown on tip and culmen, hazel on rest of upper mandible, blackish grey on lower. Legs and claws light clayey flesh-colour, more or less yellowish. Before the eye, cheeks, and throat rusty brown ; centre of throat blackish, with a curved line of the same colour on either side of the patch at its base.
A younger male has the rust-colour less brown, and just an indication only of blackish on the throat. liegs yellower than in the last.
Dissection of the younger bird. — Trachea narrow and imi-
Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 127
form. Testes enormous, "6 by '4. The dai'ker-throated male is evidently an old bird ; for its testes are much lai-ger even than the above.
Fma/e.— Length 6-5. Wing 3-82. Tail 1-50. Tarse -9 ; middle toe "9, its claw •2. Bill rather paler than in male. Iris hazel.
There is little difference in the measurements of the two sexes, but a good deal in the bulk of body when stripped of skin. When alive they utter low, short, plaintive whistles. In the south the European Quail is the ordinary species brought to market, and some reside all the year, the males assuming in summer the black throat-patch. I have had Quails^ eggs brought to me at Amoy. In winter there you occasionally see some with red-speckled throats, which in all probability are migrants from the north. I missed the distinction between the two races, so cannot speak with cer- tainty of their respective ranges ; but I believe that in winter they overlap one another, in what latitude of this vast conti- nent I am not informed.
78. Yellow-billed Button-Quail. Hcmipodius macu- latus, Vieill. Gal. des Ois. iv. p. 5, pi. 217.
On the 15th May the birdcatchers brought the first couple of a Button-Quail, which, from their golden bills and red napes, I took to be a species with which I was unacquainted. They called them Hwang-Ian ; and I found a figure of a pair of the same in the MS. illustrations, under the same name (M.D. 4398, 7173). The couple brought were confined in a small cloth bag, and made small mutteriugs like young puppies. They were of equal size, though one was more richly coloured than the other. They were both females on dissec- tion, with their ovaries not much developed.
Length 6*75. Wing 3*8, rounded ; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quills nearly equal and longest, 4th a little shorter ; '35 short of tail-tip, "4 longer than tertiarics. Tail of 8 soft graduated feathers, 1'35 long. Iris cream-white. Bill, legs, toes, and claws fine golden yellow. Inside of mouth flesh-colour. Bill from forehead "55, from gape '82, depth at base '25. Tarse in
128 Mr. R. Svvinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.
front '98; middle toe and claw -84. Back of neck and a short way down sides of neck deep rich ferruginous. Sides of throat, under neck, and centre of breast ferruginous buflf. Centre of throat pale buff. Sides of breast yellowish grey, with a round black spot in the centre of each feather. The trachea had a globular swelling before reaching the bronchi, which latter are extremely short. The plumage of the female is otherwise like that of the bird I procured before in winter at Amoy and Shanghai, and named H. viciarius (P. Z. S. 1871, p. 402) . The bills of the females at Chefoo were much swollen as well as brightly coloured ; so that I felt almost convinced that the northern bird was of a distinct species. But soon the birdcatchers brought males, which were of a good deal smaller size, and showed little normal change. Length o7o. Wing 3*3, '2 longer than tertiaries, '55 short of tail-tip. Tarse in front '85 ; middle toe and claw •83. Bill in front "45, from gape •7. Bill brown on upper mandible, lighter on apical third of lower, golden on basal edge of upper, and whole of basal two thirds of lower, including rictus. Iris cream- white. Legs honey-yellow, as in female. The male differs from the female by its smaller size, less bright bill, and in the absence or smaller amount of rust-colour on the back of the neck. Their testes were enormous, evidently on the point of breed- ing. The trachea was narrower than in the female, and without the circular swelling — another sexual reversion of a male character.
Many of these must have bred in the neighbourhood ; but I did not succeed in getting either eggs or young.
On the 6th October I got my last specimen, a female, which Mr. Campbell shot on Lighthouse Island. This had lost all its spring adornments, and was evidently on its southward travel. It was in the plumage of the southern bird.
J. Verreaux identified the Button-Quail sent from Pekiii by Pere David (which must have been our bird in its summer plumage) with the H. maculosus, Temminck.
At the Library of the Zoological Society, with the kind assis- tance of Mr. F. H. Waterhouse, I referred to the description of that species^ from doubtful locality, in Temminck's 'Pig. et
Mr. R. Swinlioe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 129
Gall.' iii. p. 631, together with the account and portrait of the same, under the terra H. maculatus, in Yieillot, Gal. des Ois. iv. p. 5, pi. 217 (1834) . The portrait has yellow bill and legs and a red nuchal collar, and certainly seems to represent our species in nuptial dress ; but the description gives a smaller bird, and speaks of the sexes as alike. It says that the specimens Avere brought from New Holland ; but we searched Gould's ' Birds of Australia ' in vain for such a species. However, we learn from Temminck that three specimens of his bird are in the galleries of the museum at Paris, with which I presume the authorities have compared it ; so I suppose w^e must give M. Verreaux the credit of the identification, and adopt ^^ieillot's name. Mr. Gould asserted to me that he knew no such bird from Australia.
79. Great Bustard. Otis tarda, L.
On the 2nd May we found a live female Bustard in the market. My companion purchased it for Mr. Crasemann's aviary ; but it did not live many days. I met no other.
80. H.arting's Sand-plover. ^gialitis placida, Gray.
A pair of these and a chick are figured in the MS. illustra- tions. The chick is in down, but is coloured about the face and breast, as the adult in spring, which I think must be a mistake. I did not see the bird at Chefoo. It is simply named in the drawing the Sha-kin or Sand-bird.
81. Chinese Oystercatcher. Hamatopus oscidans, Swinh.
On the 8tli May Mr. Campbell, of the Lighthouse, sent me a female Oystercatcher, with the information that it was one of a pair that came to feed on the mud flats of his island when the tide was low. They came from and returned to North Island, a rock some miles to seaward. He promised to look out for its mate.
The bird received was alive, but had its wing badly broken at the shoulder.
Length 19'5. Wing 10"6, reaching -1 short of fail-tip, 1-5 longer than tertiaries ; first quill the longest. Tail 4'65, of
SER. III. VOL. v. K
130 Mr. R. Swinlioe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.
12 rectriceSj lateral '3 shorty the rest nearly equal ; under tail- coverts '9 short of tail-tip, upper tail-coverts 1'8 short. Bill from forehead, and rictus, 4 inches. Bare tibia 'S. Tarse 2*2, middle toe and claw 1*68. Legs and feet rose-pink, with flesh- coloured soles and brownish grey claws. Ins blood-red ; eye- lids and bill bright red orange, or red-lead, with homy yellow tips to latter. Below under eyelid a patch of white feathers, surmounted by a rim of black. White of the body faintly tinged with rose-colour. Its length of bill, and the black spots on the tips of its upper tail-coverts, show as good marks to distinguish this species from its European ally, H. ostralegus, L.
On dissection the body was found to contain a large cluster of partly developed eggs, some nearly ready for exclusion. Trachea simple. Proventriculus about 1*4 inch. Stomach long and narrow, 1'6 long by '7 broad. Epithelium rugose and sticky, containing yellow juice. Intestines 4 feet 3^ inches long ; caeca 2^ from anus, 3^ long. No false csecum, as in the Scolopaces.
On the 15th of May Mr. Campbell sent me the male. It was at Talienwan of the promontory on the opposite side of the Gulf of Pechelee that I found this species before, during the breeding-season (see ' Ibis,^ 18G1, p. 261).
Mr. Campbell, as I have before noted, observed that his pair of Oystercatchers came from North Rock, to which they returned when they had finished feeding on the mud flats of Kung Kungtan. Constable Webster visited the Rock on the 22nd of June. He found this small uninhabited island had a narrow grassy plateau on the top of its rocks facing the land. Near the edge of this he noticed several pairs, and in some cases triplets, of eggs lying each set in a depressed spot without nest of any kind. No bird was near them. He counted six or seven such sets. The first egg he took up burst in his hand, and he found it putrid ; he picked up another from another depression ; and on finding it fresh when he purposely broke it, he brought its fellow for me, to- gether with four more of what seemed to him to be freshest. He then looked about for the proprietors ; and seeing no birds
Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 131
on the top of the rock, he went down and shot a Shag out of a flock which he thought might possibly be the OT,\Tiers of the eggs. The Shag was a Phalacrocorax pelagicus, Pall., and is remarked on under its proper head. It, of course, had nothing to do with the egg-trove. Of the five eggs brought to me one only was fresh, the others all more or less bad. Three are of the same ground-colour as the lower egg figured in Hewitson's ' Eggs of British Birds,^ under Htematopus ostra- legus (ii. p. 305) ; the other two are rather darker than the upper figure ; and they are all spotted with dark brown and grey : but the dark spots are more scattered and lighter in shade. No streaks occur. In shape the eggs are more elongate than the figures, measuring in length about 2'5 inches by 1*4 in greatest breadth. It is pretty clear that one pair of Oyster- catchers were the parents of the whole dozen or so of eggs that Mr. Campbell found. What could have induced the female to lay eggs and then desert them? Could she have been constrained by the instinct that is said to impel the Ostrich thus to provide maggots by the attracting putridity of the abandoned eggs for the first food of her own favoured hatchlings, which, when first l)orn, are too weak to travel far in search of them ?
I learn from Hewitson (/. c. ii. p. 306) that the European Oystercatcher does make some kind of nest for its eggs, but from Gould {' Birds of Australia,' ii. p. 216) that the Austra- lian H. longirostris does not. The affinity of our intermediate species in this respect, as in that of form and colour, is con- sequently more for its Australian ally.
82. Woodcock. Scolopax rusticola, L.
On the 30th April we bought a live bird of this species in the Chefoo market.
83. Spring-Snipe. Gallinago tnegala, Swinh.
I got a single specimen of this also at the same time and place as the last.
84. Pintail Snipe. Gallinago horsfiekli [iivaiy) .
On the 4th May I bought from some Inrdcatchers in the
k2
132 Mr. 11. Swiulioe^s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.
" Bois de Boulogne " a Snipe of this species that they had just caught.
85. Diminutive Curlew. Numenius minutus, Gould. While strolling along the path on the top of the cliflFs near
our house, I observed a small CurlcM' on an earthy moiiiid in the grass, under the wall of the old Consulate enclosure. As we drew near it flew off, uttering a loud " teo, teo/^ some- what like the notes of a Greenshank, but with a little of the Curlew wail in it. It flew round about, and perched near again, until again disturbed. It must have found something palatable in that spot.
86. Whimbrel. Numenius phcpopus (L.)
On the 22nd May Mr. W. R. Carles went out for a ramble on the hillsides and brought back three Whimbrels. He found a small flock of them in a field of dry grass.
87. Common Heron. Ardea cinerea, L.
Constable Webster shot two birds of the year of this Heron on the 29th September.
88. White Heron. Egretta modesta (Gray).
The constable got at the same time and place three adults of this species ; they were already in winter form, with yellow bills.
89. Bittern. Botaurus stellaris, L.
A male of this was sent me by Mr. Campbell from Light- house Island on the 6th October. Its bill was light brown, deep on culmen ; cere tinged with greenish yellow ; skin round eye the same. Iris straw-yellow. Legs and toes yel- lowish green, browner on nails, with their tips light ; pecti- nation on middle claw very narrow. A small brown Gadfly about its head.
90. Von Schrenck's Little Bittern. Ardetta eurhythma, Swinh.
In 'The Ibis^ for 1873, p. 73, was published my detection of this species at Ningpo. It was breeding there and at Shanghai. On the 20th May, and for many days after, the birdcatchers brought live specimens of both sexes. I took'
Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 133
the following notes on fresh birds^ the sexes of which I deter- mined by dissection : —
Male, with enormous testes. Total length 14 inches. Wing 5-88, first quill -25 shorter than the second, which is the longest, and -1 longer than the third ; wing extending to tail- tip. Taill-15. Tibia, bare for -75. Tarse 1*98 long; middle toe 2, its claw '37. Legs and toes grass-green, yellow near the tarso-tibial joint and on the under surface of the tarse. Soles clay-coloured, claws light yellowish brown. Bill from forehead 1-95, from gape 2-47 ; depth at base -57. Bill blackish brown on culmen, yellowish brown on the rest, darker on sides of upper mandible near tomia, light on sides of lower and on gonys. Cere and bare skins round eye purplish flesh-colour, tinged with green. Iris straw-yellow.
Female. — Eggs largely developed, nearly ready for emis- sion. Length 12 inches; wing 5-45; bill in front 1-95, from gape 2*42; depth at base '5; tibia, bare for '5 ; tarse 1*75 ; middle toe and claw 2*17. Bill blackish brown on culmen and along terminal edge of lower mandible, light yellowish grey on rest ; yellow on cere and base of lower mandible ; skin round eye greenish yellow ; iris yellow ; legs and toes green, yellower on tibial joint; soles light clay-colour; claws light brown. Plumage spotted like that of the immature bird.
On the 21st a bird in the male dress proved on dissection to be a female ; and on the 22nd one in female dress turned out to be a male. There was no difference in the swollen state of their sexual organs from those of normal birds. From the number of adult females I examined, there can be no doubt that the immature dress is the full feminine cos- tume ; and that an occasional female, probably well advanced in years, should affect the male plumage is a very ordinary circumstance amongst birds. But what means the adult male in immature dress ? I presume that males require two years to acquire their full plumage, and breed in their first year.
The Little Bitterns that were brought alive had generally their wings twisted and their legs tied, so that they could not stand ; but they were then very fierce, uttering loud croaking cries, and striking savagely with their bills. They pecked at
134 Mr. 11. Swiuhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.
each other with much force^ drawing blood at almost every stroke. The last specimen was brought on the 5th June. After that date I saw no more ; and I think they must have passed on to breed in more genial places across the Gulf of Pechelee, as there were no suitable localities about Chefoo. The spotted female of this species is twice figured in the MS. Illustrations. The first time it is called Yay-pao (M. D. 11982, 8245), or ''Wild Security;'' the second time Shan tsao Kc (M. D. 9087, 10541, 5315), or '' Hill-grass Fowl.'' I know no other Bittern of which the sexes have different plumages.
91. Cock of the Reeds. GaUicrex cristata (Lath.). Two males of this were brought me, one on the 20th May^
and the last on the 14th June. Both were, as to their organs, in breeding-form ; and yet both were in more or less imma- ture plumage. In fact it certainly is the exception in this species to find the male at breeding-time in full nuptial dress. It is figured in the MS. Illustrations as the Hung-kwan (M. D. 4168, 6658), or " Red-cap." The Coot, Fulica atra, is the figure on the next page, and is called Tsang-kwan (M. D. 10497, 6658), or "Greenish-cap," with this note in Chinese characters : — " Can float on the water, has palms."
92. Water-Hen. Gallinula chloropus (L.).
On the 31st May a native brought a fine spring male of the common Water-Hen. It had a red eye, rich red on the crest, and at the base of the bill, and a red garter to its yellowish green leg.
93. Red-breasted Crake. Porzana erythrothorax, Temm. & Schleg.
A male of this Rail was brought by the birdcatchers in May, together with several Rallidce, in whose company it had been captured. The specimen still retains a white chin.
94. Baillon's Crake. Porzana pygmaa (Naum.).
On the 19th the birdcatchers brought me the first of this little Rail ; and on the 22nd Mr. Carles shot another. Both were males, with well-developed testes ; both had their throats
00
r^'iz-^.
^
czr
o
Mr. R. Swiuhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 135
still white, and the underparts not completely moulted. It is figured in the MS. Illusti'ations as the Tsing-tsuy (M. D. 10978, 11209), or " Green-bill.'^
95. Button-Crake. Porzana [Coturnicops) exquisita, sp. nov. (Plate III.)
In company with the last this pretty little novelty was brought. It is a complete miniature of the American C. noveboracensis, as wiU be seen from a glance at the accom- panying plate.
Bill short, deep brown, greenish yellow on lower mandible at base and on rictus ; legs and feet light flesh-brown, dark on joints and claws ; iris brown. Length 5 inches ; wing 3, •4 longer than tertiaries, '25 short of tail-tip, first quill '45 shorter than the second and longest ; bill in front "48, from gape "55 ; tibia bare only just above the joint ; tarsi -78, middle toe and claw 1*08 ; tail about 1*2, composed of appa- rently only six soft feathers, entirely covered by the upper and lower tail-coverts, and hard to distinguish. The two pri- maries of the wing light hair-brown, the first pure white on the outer web ; the seven secondaries white on their apical two thirds, light brown on the basal third ; the first mottled with brown on the white. Female on dissection.
I saw no more of these till the 12th October, when Mr. Michie was out for a stroU on the bank of a river beyond the " Bois de Boulogne.^^ He walked through some coarse tangled gi'ass, in which several of these were ensconced. They were hard to flush, and when on the wing flew awk- wardly and badly. He succeeded in securing three, two of which were not too much injured to have preserved. They are male and female, and apparently birds of the year. The female is like the one above described, but has the upper parts more washed with yellowish olive, her underparts more mottled, and less white on the quiUs of her wings. The male is much like her, but is much smaller, has even less white on his wings, and has his underparts much less mottled.
136 Mr. K. Swinhoc's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.
96. Red-necked fasciated Rail. Rallina rnandarina, Swinh.
My knowledge of this handsome bird was based on one shot by Mr. Bligh on the Canton river in company with one of Porzana erythrothorax, T. & S. (see P. Z. S. 1871, p. 415). I never met with the species myself at Amoy or elsewhere. At the end of May and beginning of June it was quite a com- mon species at Chefoo. The birdcatchers brought many ; and Mr. Campbell found it constantly occurring at Lighthouse Island.
Adult male. — Bill bluish grey, blackish on culmen and about tip, pea-green about base; inside of mouth flesh-colour; iris crimson, eyelid red ; legs and toes salmon-colour, brown- ish on under surface of tarse, on the toes and on their soles. Tibia bare for '8 inch; tarsi 1*6 ; middle toe and claw 1'75 ; bill in front 1, to gape 1'12, depth at base "48. Total length 9*25 ; w'ing 5, "5 longer than tertiaries, '8 from tip of tail; first quill 1 in. shorter than the second and third, which are equal and the longest ; tail 2, rounded, of ten softish feathers, outer rectrix "4 the shortest ; under tail-coverts • 1 short of tail-tip, upper tail-coverts '8 short of same.
A second male is smaller, has shorter toes, and many more white bands and markings on its lesser wing-coverts. Testes large and swollen. Females and junior males are smaller in their proportions, have white throats and white wavy marks on the upper wing-coverts. In old males the throat is as red as the breast, and the wing-coverts have few white marks. The living birds in the cage uttered suppressed notes sound- ing like " block, block .'^ On the 4th October I procured a bird of the year, which possibly was bred in our neighbour- hood.
Immature. — Bill light purplish flesh-colour, deep brown on culmen, and greenish on base of both mandibles ; inside of mouth pale flesh-colour ; iris kidney-brown ; legs purplish brown, upper parts olive-brown; upper wing-coverts tipped with black and white bars ; throat white ; sides of neck, breast, and sides of belly cream-buft", the rest whitish, ob- scurely barred on breast, but deeply and distinctly on belly,
Mr. R. Swinhoe^s Oniitholoyical Notes made at Chefoo. 137
flanks, and axillaries, with blackish ; tail coloured like the back.
97. Spectacled Teal. Eunetta formosa (Georgi).
A Jive male of this handsome Teal was procured for me by a friend from some Chinese near Chefoo ; and I presented it to Mr. Crasemanu for his aviary. No ducks or other wild fowl were offered in the market while we were at Chefoo ; but I was told that iu winter they are brought in great number and variety. In the MS. Illustrations Casarca rutila (L.) is figured as the Hwang-ya (M. D. 4398, 11831), or "Yel- low Duck,^^ and Aix galericulata (L.) as the Lung-tow-ya (M. D. 7402, 10306, 11831), or "Dragon-headed Duck," though its more classical Chinese name is Yuen-yang (M. D. 12520, 11895). The Common Teal is also figured, but bears DO Chinese name ; and there is the figure of a Duck called Kiang-ya (M. D. 5500, 11831), or "River-Duck,'' which puzzles me. I dotted down the foUoAving note of its appear- ance : — " A Duck with brown head, blue neck, white breast and back, green speculum, falcated tertiaries, dark tail, and brown-spotted belly.''
98. Cormorant. Phalacrocorax carbo (L.). Cormorants were common enough about the rocks of the
Chefoo coast. On the 29th June Constable Webster found a family of young birds on the bluff" rocks of Chefoo Head. He shot one; it was a large bird covered with black down, except on the wings and tail, which were still in blue quiU just expanding at their tips ; its throat-skin was yellowish, and its iris apparently yellowish brown ; its legs and toes were black. The Constable visited the same cliffs on the 6th July, and procured another of the same family. It fell from the top of the cliffs into the sea below, about 80 feet. Its wings were grown, and all its down had given place to feathers — this in nine days. The eyes were bluish grey. He also got the female parent, which had bluish green irides, and the greater part of the head white. She proved a female on dissection, and was apparently the mother of the nest. The native name for Cormorant is Loo-sze (M. D. 7338, 11285).
138 Mr. R. Swiiihoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.
99. Resplendent Shag. Phalacrocorax pelagicus (Pall.). This was the Shag at Chefoo^ as it seems to be also at Ha-
kodadi, North Japan (see 'Ibis/ 1874, p. 164) . Constable Web- ster shot one out of a small party on the 22nd June off North Rock. It turned out to be a male with a double crest, as in P. bicristatus, but not fully developed, and had only a few white feathers on the thighs. One or two longish white feathers also occur on the neck. Inside of mouth yellowish red. Bare skin round eye, at base of bill, and on intercrura of lower man- dible wrinkled and dark tile- or Indian red. Sides of lower mandible near base marked with same. Bill blackish brown. Legs and toes black. Length 29 inches. Wing 11, "1 longer than the tertiaries, 6*5 short of tail-tip. Tail Q-7, of twelve stiff' graduated feathers, laterals 2*5 short of centrals. Tip of bill to gape 3'1. Tarse 2. Fourth toe and claw 4. The testes were about "75 long by "4 broad, and the stomach empty.
100. Large Common Gull. Larus niveus, Pall.
Many of these were about on our first arrival at Chefoo, but they passed away.
101. Black-tailed Gull. Larus crassirosfris, Vieill. These remained in flocks the summer through, resorting to
the beach, where they washed and sunned themselves.
Constable Webster attended one of these gatherings on the morning of the 3rd July, and brought back eleven specimens, all in full plumage, except one, which still retained immature feathers. One adult had one hind toe wanting its nail, another had lost half a leg. There were two sizes, the larger proving males, the lesser females. The sexes of course did not differ in plumage.
Adult male ( ($ on dissection) . — Length 20 inches. Wing 15, first quill slightly longer than second, and longest. Tail 6, of twelve even feathers, outermost white, except on bit of stem and bit of edge of inner web. Iris yellowish cream- coloui', black on outer circle. Eyelids vermiHon. Two thirds of bill bright greenish yellow, with red-orange rictus and in- side of mouth ; apical third black, with vermilion tips and
Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 139
patches to sides. Legs and toes fine greenish yellow, greyish at joints, and greyish horn on nails. Bill from forehead 2*1, from gape 2'92, depth at base '72. Bare portion of tibia •9. Tarse 22. Middle toe and claw 2*05. Wing-tip ex- tending 2"5 beyond tail-tip, and 45 beyond tertiaries.
Adult female { ? on dissection) . — Length 17"50 inches. Wing 13*75, 2 beyond tail-tip,. 4 beyond tertiaries. Bill 2, from gape 2'6. Tibia same as in male. Tarse 2. Middle toe and claw 1-75. Tail 5.25.
Individuals of either sex vary in length of toes, and in their greenness and yellowness of legs and feet. One male and one female of six specimens are advanced towards breeding. The other four are very backward.
The custom's cruiser ' Feihoo ' put into Chefoo after visit- ing the Shantung promontory, whither she had gone to ar- range for the erection of a lighthouse. Mr. Kirkwood, her second officer, presented me with three eggs of a Gull, taken by himself and party from nests on the adjoining island, called ^^Alcestie."
Mr. E. V. Brennan, chief ofiicer of the ' Feihoo,' who was one of the landing-party, gave me the following particulars about the eggs : — " Alcestie island,'' he said, '' was covered with Gulls, and their nests were numerous, many containing young covered with greyish down, without any white on them. There were also many with eggs ; but all the eggs nearly that they took had been more or less sat upon. Each nest con- tained either two eggs or two young birds. He did not see any with more. The nests were small, being about 9 or 10 inches in entire diameter, with little outer rim, consisting of flattish saucers, composed of straw and dried grass picked off the land, with no seaweed or feathers. He recognized my specimens of L. crassirostris as being of the same species. His visit to the island was on the 10th of June. The eggs were taken each from a separate nest. The Gulls were very daring in the protection of their property, rising above him and pouncing down at his head. The three eggs all bear a strong resemblance to the lower figure of the plate opposite p. 495 of Hewitson, being that of L. canus. Ours, however, are more strictly ovate, and average 2*5 by 1*75.
140 Letters, Announcements , &(c.
102. Large Herring-Gull. Larus occidentalism Aud.
A live bird of this species was brought to me on the 14th June. It was in full adult plumage. Its wing had been hurt, and was bleeding. The natives called it Hai-mao, the name also applied to Gulls in the south.
103. Ivory Gull. Larus eburneus, Gm.
As wc were leaving Chefoo on the 20tli October to embark on board the southward-bound steamer, a white Gull hovered over our boat. I took it to be of this species. The morning was cloudy, with gusts of wnd.
104. Flesh-billed Black Albatros. Diomedea derogata, Swinh. P.Z.S. 1873, p. 785.
On the occurrance of a Black Albatross at Chefoo in June, and my reasons for considering it a good species I must refer my readers to the P. Z. S. of 1873. Capt. Blakiston procured the same species in July at Hakodadi (see ' Ibis,^ 1874, p. 165).
VIII. — Letters, Announcements, S^c.
The following letters, addressed " To the Editor of ' The Ibis,^ '' have been received : —
Sir, — In again going over my Algerian note-books I find some slight errors require to be rectified and additions made to my paper (containing an account of nearly all the birds I positively identified) which was contributed to * The Ibis,' and appeared in the volume for 1871.
Page 78. " Cinclus aquaticus, Bechst.,'' should be Cin- clus albicollis (Vieill.) .
Page 79, species 36, Dromoljea leucopygia should be united with No. 37, D. leucocephala, the opinion I expressed as to their being very near akin having been more than confirmed by subsequent researches.
43. Saxicola homochroa should stand as Saxicola ery- thRjEA (Ehr.). S. halophila (Tristram).
I only shot one specimen, a female, on the 31st of April, at Berryan, in the Mzab.
Letters, Announcements, ^c. 141
59. Sylvia hortensis.
" Only one shot " Add " in the oasis at Gardaia, April 26th, 1870/' *
63. Sylvia conspicillata.
" Tibrem " Add " and Laghouat."
72. Anthus arboreus.
'' Common in summer " is a slip of the pen for " Common in spring.'^
71. Anthus campestris.
I procured specimens at Guelt el Stel, and Ain Oosera, which is Sahara in every sense of the word ; but I cannot say I shot any further south. Guelt el Stel must be nearly 150 miles from the sea-coast.
80. Calandrella brachydactyla.
" Once seen at Laghouat " should be " One shot at Lag- houat, May 4th, 1870.
86. Galerida abyssinica.
A female at Tibrem, on the 3rd of May, was the only one I shot.
87. Page 290, two lines from the bottom, for '' Galerida abyssinica " is found in the hills, read " Galerida cristata."
95. Passer salicicola.
For ^' ten near Blida " read '' two near Blida.^'
104. Pica mauritanica.
This Magpie was seen at Tibrem and Medea. The Alge- rian Jay I only saw in cages. I find my meaning has been slightly misunderstood here.
123. CEdicnemus crepitans.
" In the Algiers market about the end of February " should be '' about the 5th of February."
135. Crex pratensis.
"I found one about the end of February" should be " on the 3rd of Februarv."
142 Letters, Announcements, S^c.
138. Anas clypeata.
" In the market at Algiers " should be " lu the markets at Algiers and Oran."
The five following species may, I think, be added to my
list :—
BUDYTES CINEREOCAPILLA (Savi) .
I shot a bright-coloured cock at Laghouat, with white throat, dark ear-coverts, and no white line from eye to beak. It was consorting with B.flava (L.), of which, no doubt, it is a mere variety.
Ardea purpurea, L. Purple Heron.
I saw one in a shop at Algiers in May, recently set up.
Larus LEucoPHiEus. Ycllow-leggcd Herring-Gull.
Several in the harbour at Algiers. As I was leaving they came so near to the steamer as to leave no doubt in my mind of their being Herring-Gulls of some sort.
PuFFiNus ciNEREus. Cincrcous Shearwater.
Soon after leaving the roadstead these appeared, and con- tinued (if I remember rightly) to the Balearic Isles, where we also saw some Stormy Petrels.
CuRSORius GALLicus. Crcam-colourcd Courser. I saw this bird, as I firmly believe, in the Tibrem country, running and flying before the heads of our mules.
J. H. GuRNEY, Jun.
Northrepps Hall, Norwich, October 1874.
Futtehgurh, N. W. P., Sept. 29th, 1874.
Sir, — At page 140 of 'Nests and Eggs,' Mr. Hume, though quoting a portion of my account of the breeding of Eudynamys honor ata"^, makes some statements in connexion with the parasitical habits of this Cuckoo which are at variance with my observations. Having paid " much atten- tion" [italics are mine] to "their habits during the breed- ing-season," he states that he has " never seen Crows feeding * Cf. Ibis for 1873, p. 74.
LetterSy Announcements, ^c. 143
fully -fledged Co'els out of the nest," whereas he has " repeatedly watched adult female Co'els feeding young ones of their own species." Mr. Hume must surely mean the very reverse of what he has written.
On the 1st of the present month I had occasion to drive into Mynpoony, where I put up with my friend Mr. Parcelli, with whom Messrs. Sprenger and Brown were staying at the time. After breakfast I observed a pair of Crows feeding two young Coels (during the journey I saw the same thing fre- quently), in different trees^ within ten paces of the house; and the gentlemen I have mentioned^ whose attention I drew to the matter (in connexion with Mr. Hume's version) , noticed the same thing. I asked for a loaf of bread, and then for a gun, as the opportunity was too good to be lost. A few minutes later I held a post-mortem — to prove, I hope, for the satisfaction of Mr. Hume, that the stomach of the Coel {which is always fed by its oivn parents !) contained, in fact, a part of the gizzard of the very Fowl we must have eaten grilled for breakfast, garbage of various sorts, including small feathers, and, lastly, pieces of the very bread we had been throwing to the Crows ! !
I will not take upon myself to aflBirm that the young Coel is never fed by its own parents ; but I should like to have some better evidence regarding this feature in the economy of this Cuckoo, as a constancy, than has been adduced by Mr. Hume.
Yours &c.,
Andrew Anderson.
33 Oarlyle Square, S.W. Nov. 21, 1874.
Sir, — With reference to the birds of Hakodadi, a suspicion crossed my mind that possibly I had made a mistake in iden- tifying the Wren from Hakodadi with the Troglodytes fumi- gatus, Temm., of Nagasaki, and that while the latter might be the Wren of Southern Japan, the northern bird might be distinct, and identical with T. alascensis, Baird. To clear the doubt I sent a skin to Dr. G. Schlegel, and begged him
144 Letters, Announcements, ^t.
to get me in exchange from Lis father, of the Leiden Museum, a specimen of genuine T. fumiyatus. His reply I have un- fortunately mislaid ; but it was to the purport that the mu- seum had no duplicate to spare, but that my bird, which he and his father had carefully compared with the type speci- mens, was identically the same. We must therefore conclude that T. alascensis, Baird, is a synonym of T. fumigatus, Temm.
M. Taczanowski, of Warsaw, writes about the Chinese Bvintings, as folloAvs : — "Dans votre liste des oiseaux de Chine je trouve une confusion dans deux especes d'Emberiza. E. cioides, Natterer {=-E. cia. Pall.), est identique k votre E. cas- taneiceps, c'est le meme oiseau de Schrenck et de Radde ; taudis que votre E. giglioli estce que je trouve aussi en Siberie, et qui ressemble le plus h, VE. cia, L., et differe de VE. ci- oides, T. et S. = ciopsis, Bp. II est possible que cette der- niere se trouve aussi en Chine, mais on nc I'a pas encore trouvee en Siberie. L'oiseau que je tiens pour votre E. gi- glioli a les stries sur la tete rousscs au lieu des noires de cia, et le cendre de la poitrine beaucoup plus riche et bleuatre, et beaucoup plus avance sur le ventre. Outre Dybowski per- sonne ne Fa pas encore observe en Siberie.^'
I would ask permission to make a few remarks in reply to Mr. W. E. Brooks's letter in the last ' Ibis' (p. 461). I was reporting what I considered a discovery, viz. that Phyllo- pneuste schwartzi, Radde, was identical with Abrornis armandi, Milne-Edw. I did not suppose that any one interested would accept my determination without study of the original descrip- tions. I will not shrink from saying that though I had no need to refer to Mr. Tristram's identification, in my mind I rejected it. I saw the specimen referred to by Mr. Tristram. It was marked as coming from Lake Baikal, and was cer- tainly a P. viridanus, Blyth; but what I maintain is, that it was not a P. schwarzi, Radde. I may add that I am also in a position to show that Calamodyta niaacki, Schrenck, is not a race of Phylloscopus fuscatus, Blyth, but a Reed- bird identical with my C. bistrigiceps (P. Z. S. 1863, p. 293) (see Ibis, April, 1874, p. 151). The original blame for these
Letters, Announcements, (Sfc. 145
wrong identifications is attributable to tbe persons through whose hands the specimens came. At the same time we can rectify such mistakes by a reference to the text of the de- scribers ; and perhaps Mr. Tristram is to blame for not having done this before announcing his identification to the public.
I am yours, &c.,
Robert Swinhoe.
' P.S. I must not pass by Mr. Brooks's note on the Hako- dadi Creeper without attention. I have not a specimen from Cashmere to compare with ; but our bird certainly does not tally with the description of Certhia hodgsoni (J. A. S. B. 1872, p. 74).
1. Our bird has a shorter bill than English specimens, though lighter in colour.
2. Agrees with C. hodgsoni. Brooks, under this head.
3. The North-China bird is much less rufescent than an English or a Dutch (Ley den) specimen.
4. The broAvn of the quills and tail is of a much lighter hue, and the underparts are swoi^-white.
I have a specimen from Pekin, one from Hakodadi (North Japan), and one from Amoorland. They are all of the same light boreal race, and, in my opinion, not separable from C. familiaris, any more than the Kamtchatka Greater and Least Woodpeckers are from Picus major and Picus minor of Europe. Pere David proposed to separate the Pekin bird as Certhia fasciata (Cat. des Ois. h, Pekin) ; but I never saw sufficient reason for such a proceeding. I would draw Mr. Brooks's attention to the remarks on the variation of this far-ranging species by Mr. H. E. Dresser in his excellent ' Birds of Europe/ now in process of publication.
R. S.
33 Carlyle Square, S.W. Dec. 19, 1874.
Sir, — I have a few more lines for insertion in the forth- coming ' Ibis,' for which I would crave your indulgence. In my paper "On Birds from Hakodadi," published in
SER. III. VOL. V. L
146 Letters, Announcements, ^c.
your April number of this year, I state (p. 155) that the " Scaly-headed Grass-Wren " is not a Tribura, though I leave it under that genus_, not knowing how to place it.
I was on the point of proposing a genus for it in the P. Z. S., and giving an illustration to show the peculiarity of its form ; but on carefully looking over Jerdon^s ' Birds of India/ ii. p. 161, I find it may well be included in Hodgson^s genus Hoi'ornis. I therefore suggest that my Chinese species may now stand as Horornis squameiceps.
M. Taczanowski has written to me from Warsaw, under date 9th Nov., that he has received from Ussuri an important collection of birds, which contains many species that have not been before received from that neighbourhood. Among the varieties he enumerates " un petit oiseau que je n'ai pas pu determiner, c'est un Sylvide semblable aux Troglodytes." From this description I recognized at once our little Wren ; and this it proved to be when the specimen reached me. It is a male, shot on the 25th Sept. I have it from Canton, Formosa, Hakodadi, and now from Mantcliuria, which, I think, proves pretty well that it is a regular migrant species, coming north in summer to breed.
M. Taczanowski reports that the same collection contains : —
"(1) Emberiza quinquelineata, David [an MS. name^my E. tristrami, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 441] .
" (3) Turdus pelios, Bp., male magnifique, different en plu- sieurs details de la femelle precedente, mcntionnee par Cabanis dans le Journal d'Ornithologie.
" (3) Limonidromus indicus (Gm.) .
" (4) Oroecetes gularis, Swinh.
'^ (5) Eophona personata (Temm.), mais la femelle ressemble completement au male, et non pas corame le dit Temminck dans sa description.
"(6) Cyanoptila cyanomelmia (Temm.)."
I am yours, &c.,
Robert Swinhoe.
Letters, Announcements, &^c. 147
Dresden, Dec. 15th, 1874. R. Natural-History Museum.
Sir, — In the last number of your Journal (1874, pp. 416 -420), Dr. Sclater gives a short account of the contents of my ornithological papers in the ' Sitzungsberichte ' of the Im- perial Academy of Sciences of Vienna for 1874. Dr. Sclater concludes with the " fifth memoir (read June 18, 1874).^' As I published six memoirs in the ' Sitzungsberichte ' (as Dr. Sclater himself remarks on page 416), I beg leave briefly to point out to the readers of ' The Ibis ' the contents of this sixth memoir (read July 16, 1874).
Rhipidura rufidorsa, from New Guinea and Jobi (allied to R. dry as, Gould), and Rhipidura kordensis, from Mysore, are described as two new species, as well as Myzomela cruentata, from the Arfak mountains, and Myzomela rubrobrunnea, from Mysore ; some specimens of a Myzomela, from New Guinea, are provisionally registered as M. erythrocephala, Gould. Ptilotis pyrrhosis is a new species from Jobi ; and Ptilotis me- garkijncha. Gray, is proved to be a young Ptilotis rostrata, Wallace ; then follow some remarks on Xxtnthotis chrysotis (Less.) and allied forms. Tropidorhynchusgilolensis, Temm., Antkochara senex. Gray, and Melitograis striata, Sundevall, are shown to be identical ; a Tropidorhynchus from New Guinea is provisionally determined as Tropidorhynchus inor- natus, Gr. & Mitch., likewise another bird provisionally as Gliriphila modesta. Gray. Cosmetira eques (Lesson) varies considerably in size and coloration. Mimeta striata (A. & G.) has a black bill when young, a red one only when full-grown. The sexual differences occurring in the different species of Dendrochelidon, especially in Dendrochelidon mystacea (Less.), are then discussed. The paper concludes with detailed re- marks on the following Parrots (pp. 21-39) : — Pionias pu- cherani (Bp.) et stirpes; Trichoglossus cyanogrammus, Wagler; Domicella Jori (L.) et stirpes [D. Im-i (L.), D. lori jobiensis , n. var., D. cyanauchen (Miiller)], D. cyanogenys (Bp.), D, fuscata (Blyth), and Z>. scintillata (Temm.). In a note the correct spelling of the names " Mafoor " and '' Mysore " is spoken of.
148 Letters, Announcements, ^c.
The continuation of my ornithological " Mittheilungen " upon my acquisitions from New-Guinea has been delayed by my change of residence to Dresden ; but I hope soon to be able to continue it. Not two thirds of my specimens have been thoroughly looked through. I shall then give additional remarks on some species already dealt with, such as Redes nigrescens, ^lurcedus arfakianus, and others.
I am yours, &c.,
Adolf Bernhard Meyer.
Sir,— lu the P.Z. S. April 21, 1874 (p. 212, pi. xxxv.), a species of Woodpecker, obtained by Lieutenant R. Wardlaw Ramsay near Tonghoo, in British Burmah, was described as new, under the title of Gecinus erythropygius.
Somewhat later (P. A. S. B. May 1874, p. 106) the same species appears to have been described by Mr. Hume under the title of Gecinus nigrigenis, and again (Str. F. ii. p. 444) .
The species, however, seems identical with Gecinus erythro- pygius, D. G. Elliot (N. Archiv. 1865, p. 76, pi. iii.), founded on an example ( ? ) obtained in Cochin China by M. Germain.
Yours,
Waldex.
Dec. 1874.
Having far exceeded our prescribed limits, we regret to be obliged to defer all notices of recent ornithological works and papers, as well as other announcements, till our next number.
THE IBIS.
THIRD SERIES.
No. XVIII. APRIL 1875.
IX. — Notes on the Trochilidse. The Genera Chlorostilbon and Panychlora. By D. G. Elliot, F.L.S. &c.
Of all the known genera of Birds I doubt if there is one whose species ornithologists have found more difficult and perplexing than those treated of in this paper. The reason appears to be, that the variation in colour of the plu- mage, together with that of size in the body and its members, has greatly assisted such Trochilidists as were desirous of de- scribing new species, and who, with perhaps only one specimen upon which to found an opinion, were easily contented to em- ploy these variations as sufficiently characterizing new forms, even though they were frequently infinitesimal in degree. In the articles upon the various species given in this paper, I en- deavour to show how little dependence can be placed upon the different tints and shades of colour as indicating specific value ; and the tables of measurements of a large number of examples from various localities exhibit clearly that size alone is not to be relied upon. I can find recognizable characters for only eleven species ; and I do not see any cause for believing that there are more. Of some described species, however, I have
6ER. III. VOL. V. ' M
150 Mr. D. G. Elliot on the TrodiiiiclEe.
not seen the types — sucli as C. euchloris (lleieli.), the descrip- tion of which docs not enable me to form a satisfactory opinion as to its validity, while the figure in his ' Troch/ p, 180, sp. 412, is too j)oor to be of any service. I can distinguish three groups or sections among the species of the genus Chloro- stilbon as usually restricted, as follows : — those which have the bill all black ; those with the bill with basal half of man- dible licsh-colour, the rest black ; and those Avith the bill all flesh-colour, excepting the point, which is black. I cannot perceive any character sufficient to separate such species as C. auriceps and C caniveti, generically, from C. angustipennis , and have therefore not employed the term Chlorolampis pro- posed by Cabanis for the former birds. The genus Pany- chlora has but one section, the species being distinguished from Chlorostilbon by having green tails, with the outer rec- trices more or less pointed. The males of the species of these two genera may be distinguished as follows : —
Chloi-ostilhon.
A. Bill black.
a. Tail moderately long, forked 1. C. angustipi-^mis.
b. Tail short, scalloped 2. C. atala.
c. Tail short, slightly rounded, almost square. . o. C prashms.
B. Bill black, with the basal half of the lower man-
dible flesh-colour 4. C. hieberlmi.
C. Bill flesh-colour, point onl}' brownish black.
a. Rectrices entirely bluish black.
a'. Lower part of breast and abdomen green,
tail moderately forked 5. C pudierani.
v. Lower part of breast and abdomen
golden red, tail moderately forked . . 0. C. spleiididu.'.
b. Rectrices tipped with grey.
a'. Tail long, deeply forked, rectrices very
narrow 7. C. anriceps.
b'. Tail moderate, forked, rectrices rather
broad 8. C. caniveti.
Panychlora,
A. Tail shining gi'ass-green ; bill long 1. P. poortmani.
B. Tail very dark green, bill moderately long .... 2. P. alicics.
C. Tail bright green, outer rectrices extremely nar-
row and pointed 3. P. stenura.
Mr. D. G. Elliot on the TrochilidEe. 151
It may be as Avell here to point out what appears to be the geographical distribution of the above acknowledged species. Mexico seems to be the most northern point in which any species of the two genera containing the green Humming- birds is found. Here we meet with C. auriceps, the exact locality of which is not known, and C. caniveti. The last is common in the neighbourhood of Oaxaca and Jalapa, and ex- tends its range southwards through Guatemala to Costa Rica, In Veragua the last-named species is replaced by C. angus- tipennis, which is common in Panama, Columbia, and Ecuador, and, under different names, is the species commonly received from those countries. The island of Trinidad supplies the small bird named atala by Lesson, distinguished from pra- sinus, Lesson, in having a tail slightly scalloped, but not forked, in contradistinction to the almost square tail oi pra- sinus. This last-named species appears to be distributed throughout Venezuela and the western portion of the Amazo- nian region into Peru, from which country Hauxwell has sent a number of specimens from the vicinity of Pebas, it having also been obtained in other localities by different collectors. One specimen of C. hceberlini is before me as coming from Panama, collected by McLeannan. This is the furthest point north and west that it appears to go : and I am somewhat in- clined to look upon it as a straggler there ; for the habitat of the species appears to be Venezuela and Columbia, in the neighbourhood of Cartagena; it is also frequently sent in collections from Bogota. Bolivia possesses C. splendidus, which extends in a southerly direction into Chili east of the Andes, where it has been obtained at Mendoza, thence across the continent to Buenos Ayres, where it is not uncom- mon. Northward of this, throughout South-eastern Brazil, as our present knowledge enables us to determine, is the range of the allied species C. pucherani. It will thus be seen that, with the exception of those portions of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Chili which lie west of the Andes, and also Patagonia, from none of which localities am I aware that any examples have been received, the green Humming-birds are generally distributed from Mexico, throughout Central America, over
M Z
152 Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trocl.ilidie.
almost the entire portion of South America. The habitats of the A'arious species appear tolerably well defined, and do not, as a rule, encroach upon each other.
Before commencing the review of the species separately, I will here say a word about the colour of the plumage. In all birds whose feathers are metallic, there is more or less varia- tion to be observed in the colours they reflect ; and while, happily, in the majority of cases the hues are generally the same, so as to enable naturalists to determine and recognize a species, yet it not infrequently happens that specimens of the same species exhibit different shades of the same colour, or else, as in the case of the green Humming-birds, exhibit a tendency to clothe themselves in feathers of a more or less red or coppery tint in the places that should properly show only a purely brilliant green. Amongst no class of feathered creatures, perhaps, is this change more observable than among the Trochilidse, and in no group of that great family more than in the members of the genus Chlorostilbon. Sometimes the plumage reflects, in place of green, golden hues of different degrees of intensity ; and it is not uncommon to find some in- dividuals of a species possessing brilliant metallic crowns, while those of others are either dull green, or else show only a very slight brilliancy. It is this changeableness of colour in their plumage, together with their variableness in size, both of the body and its members, that has given rise to so much confusion in this group, and to the descriptions of spe- cimens that have really no specific value, and which, when seriously investigated, with ample materials, we are obliged to eject from a position they improperly occupy, and consign them to that ever-growing bete noire of all naturalists, the synonymical dust-bin. Alas that there is no legalized dustman to cart it away and all its contents ! Having ex- amined, with one or two exceptions, all the knoAvn species of this genus, I have given at the head of this paper an analytical table, by which, in spite of the difficulties just mentioned, all the species, here acknowledged as such, can be recognized without any great difficulty ; but if variations in size or tint of plumage are to be considered sufficient in them-
Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilid*. 153
selves alone to give a specific value, tlien at once an opportu- nity is aftbrded for some new Brehm to flood our publications with descriptions of new species, and greatly add to whatever confusion may already exist ; for the members of no genus of birds afford more ample materials (in the variations above mentioned) for establishing separate forms with microscopical differences than do the variable individuals composing this genus.
Chlorostilbon angustipennis.
Trochilus angustipennis, Fraser, P. Z. S. 1840, p. 18.
Chlorostilbon angustipennis, Gould, Mon. Troch. vol. v. pi. 353; id. Intr. Troch. p. 175, sp. 397.
Trochilus chrysogaster, Bourc. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 101.
Chlorolampis chrysogaster, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Th. iii. p. 47, sp. 104 (1860).
Trochilus phceopygus, Tsch. Faun. Peruana, p. 247, sp. 11.
Prasitis phceopyga, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. p. 49, sp. 108 (1860).
Chlorostilbon assimilis, Lawr. Ann. N. Y. Lye. Nat. Hist, p. 293 (1860).
Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus , Gould, P. Z. S. 1860, p. 308.
Chlorostilbon smaragdina, Cab. & Heine, ]\Ius. Hein. p. 48, sp. 106 (1860).
Chlorostilbon pumilus, Gould, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1872, ix. p. 195.
Hab. Veragua (Arce) ; Panama {McLeannan, Hughes) ; Ve- nezuela; Columbia [Salmon] ; Ecuador [Fraser, Buckley).
Perhaps no species among this difficult group has given more trouble to ornithologists than the one now under review ; and the causes appear to be the inability of investigators to get together a sufficiently large series to enable them to see how greatly individuals vary from each other, and how little worthy of reliance there is in a difference of size, in either bill, wings, or tail, to justify specimens occupying a dis- tinct specific rank. The species was first described, from a specimen from Bogota, by Fraser, in the ' Proceedings ' of the Zoological Society, as above cited. A few years later Bour-
154 Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilida.
cier redescribed it as T. chrysogaster, from Cartagena in Columbia. Mr. Gould had these two types in his hands when writing his monograph of the family, and there states that, " of one thing I am certain, namely that the amjustipennis of Eraser, and the chrysogaster of Bourcier, are one and the same bird ; for I have the types of both now before me, and they do not differ in the slightest degree." And in this deci- sion he was undoubtedly correct. In 1860 Mr. Gould de- scribes another specimen of this species, from Ecuador, as C. melanorhynchus ; but in his ' Introduction,^ issued in the fol- lowing year, he states that he believes this to be the same as chrysogaster, Bourcier. Just before this, however, he reverses his decision as regards angustipennis , Eraser, and chrysogaster, Bourc, being identical, and states he then believes them to be distinct, although unfortunately he does not give the reason which induced him to undertake this change of base. In 1860 Mr. Lawrence described a specimen from Panama as C. assimilis (compared with melanorhynchus, Gould, and stated to be smaller) ; and in 1872 Mr. Gould described one from Citado, in Ecuador, as C. pumilus.
These appear to be the prominent names given to this species ; and all of them have been more or less employed by ornithologists to designate some one specimen or another of the green Humming-birds with a black bill and tail, as they were able to interpret the various descriptions given by dif- ferent authors. One point that appears to have had the most influence upon describers is the size of their examples, either in the length of the bill (generally deemed very important), or length of wing, or tail, and sometimes the amount oifork exhibited by the feathers of the latter. Probably the difter- ences have often been the result of age, as regards the bill, or the plumage not having arrived at a complete state, as re- gards the wing and tail, more especially the latter. With but a limited number of specimens to judge from, and (as would be the natural result) the unconsciousness of the vari- ation shown among individuals in measurements equally with the colouring of their plumage, a naturalist would be most apt to consider that his examples belonged to more than one
Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidie. 155
species. Or if specimens exhibiting the extremes of the species as regards size are shown, it then also appears diffi- cult to one who has never investigated the subject with suffi- cient material, to believe that they only represent one and the same species. To show how very greatly individuals of this species do vary among themselves, I have selected thirty- one of the specimens now before me, and given the measure- ments of the bill, wing, tail, and amount of bifurcation ob- servable in the latter. These birds represent nearly every locality in which the species is known to have been obtained. I might here mention that the specimen described by Mr. Gould as C. melanorhynchus is chiefly deemed distinct from its large size. The table will show what reliance is to be placed on this as a specific character. The smallest specimen is from Panama, and measures respectively "60, 1"84, 1"20, and •30 in the order given for all the examples. Next in size to this comes one from the Volcano of Chiriqui, in Veragua, and measures "64, 1"80, 1"40, '35, thus showing a somewhat larger size, excepting the wing, which is "04 of an inch shorter. Nos. 3 and 4, both from Panama, have bills of equal length and -01 of an inch longer than No. 2. No. 4^s wing is of equal length with No. 2, but that of No. 3 is -10 inch shorter than that of No. 2, and -14 inch shorter than that of No. 1. The tail of No. 3 is imperfect ; but that of No. 4 is '04 inch shorter than that of No. 1, and '24 inch shorter than that of No. 2 ! No. 5 comes from Veragua, same collector as that of No. 1, and exhibits a bill -06 inch longer than that specimen, and a shorter wing and longer tail. No. 6 comes from Popayan, with a bill only -01 inch longer than the last, but with both a shorter wing and tail, although not so short a wing as No. 3. Nos. 7, 8, and 9, coming respectively from Columbia, Vene- zuela, and Panama, have bills of equal length. Wings of Nos. 7 and 8 are equal; but that of No. 9 is -10 inch longer. No. 10, also from Panama, while having a bill -01 inch longer than the last specimen, has the wing "03, and the tail -16, and the bifurcation '20 greater. Nos. 11 to 19 inclusive, from Panama, Veragua, and Ecuador respectively, have bills of equal length, viz, -70; the length of wing, however, varies
156 Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidse.
from 1-70 to 1*86, and that of the tail from 1 '16 to 1-45. Nos. 20, 21, and 22 have also hills of equal length, -71, only '01 inch longer tlian the nine preceding ones ; the wings, however, vary to the extent of '09 inch, and the tails "16 inch. The gradual increase in length of bill continues in Nos. 23 and 24, being '72 and -74 inch, from Ecuador and Veragua, while the wing of the latter specimen is '06 inch shorter than the Ecuador specimen, which reaches 1*90 (with but one exception, the longest of all those of the examples mea- sured). Nos. 25, 26, and 27 show equal bills of shghtly increased length, being '75 inch, '01 longer than No. 24. The wings and tails also vary, '10 and '23 inch respectively, no two of the former being of equal length. Nos. 28 and 29 are females from Ecuador, with bills of "76 and "79 inch, and wings r85 and 1*91 inch, the last being the longest of all the specimens in the list; but the tails are quite short, viz. 1"21 and 1*24 inch; but this was to be expected from their sex. No. 30, also a female, from the Rio Napo, has the bill '80 inch in length, '01 inch longer than No. 29 ; but the wing is '01 inch shorter than in that specimen, while the tail, again, is '03 inch longer. The last specimen is a young male from Bogota, with a bill of equal length with the last, but the wing and tail '24 inch and '12 inch shorter respectively.
Length of
bill along Fork of
gape. Wing. Tail. tail.
1. Panama -60 1-84 1-20 -30
2. Chiriqui, Veragua -64 1-80 1-40 -35
3. Panama '65 1'70 imperfect.
4. „ -65 1-80 M6 -30
5. Veragua '66 1-80 1-35 -40
0. Popayan -67 1-75 1-31 -37
7. MedeUin, Columbia -68 1-75 1-41 -35
8. PaUatanga -68 1-75 1-18 -24
9. Panama -68 1'85 1-27 -30
10. „ -69 1-88 1-43 -50
11. „ -70 186 1-40 -40
12. „ -70 1-83 1-45 -35
13. „ -70 1-79 1-31 -41
14. „ -70 1-86 1-37 -43
16. „ -70 1-86 1-19 -28
Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidte.
157
|
16. Veragua |
Leu bill g |
gth of along ape. 70 |
Wing. 1-70 |
Tail. 1^30 |
Fork of tail. •35 |
|
17. „ |
70 70 |
1-85 1-82 |
1-36 1-19 |
•36 |
|
|
18. Ecuador |
•20 |
||||
|
19. ,, (tj'pe oijmmibts) 20. Veragua |
70 71 71 71 |
1-74 1-80 1-80 r89 |
M6 1-28 1^32 M6 |
•25 •28 |
|
|
21. „ |
•30 |
||||
|
22. Medellin, Columbia |
|||||
|
23. Ecuador |
72 |
1-00 |
1-26 |
•25 |
|
|
24. Veragua |
74 |
r84 |
130 |
•40 |
|
|
25. Venezuela |
•75 |
1^73 |
1^46 |
•36 |
|
|
26. Ecuador |
75 |
1^83 |
1-23 |
•22 |
|
|
27. „ |
75 |
1^80 |
1^23 |
•40 |
|
|
28. „ 2 |
76 |
1-85 |
1^24 |
||
|
29. „ 2 |
79 |
191 |
1-21 |
||
|
30. Rio Napo, $ |
80 |
r90 |
124 |
||
|
31. Bogota, juv. (5 |
80 |
1-06 |
112 |
It is thus seen that with a tolerably large series of speci- mens a gradual increase of length of bill is obtainable^ from the shortest up to the very longest ; and I have no doubt that additional specimens would give an uninterrupted scale, and complete the gradations in the list here published. In no in- stance, however, do the wings and tail together of any two spe- cimens exactly agree in their measurements, although occasi- onally one or other is found to measure the same as that of some other specimen. It would seem therefore to be pretty satisfactorily established that size in these birds, by itself, is of no specific value whatever, and that the various specimens described as distinct, chiefly upon their difierence of mea- surements, must become synonyms of the C. angustipennis of Fraser.
If it could be shown, however, that all the specimens from any one locality presented a diflierence in size, either gi-eater or less, as the case might be, but nevertheless constant, it might then perhaps be necessary to consider whether they should be deemed geographical races ; but what are the results shown by the table ? The bird with the smallest bill comes from Panama, viz. •60 inch ; but a specimen, also from Pa- nama— in fact, several have bills -70 (•lO of an inch longer).
158 Mr. D. G. Elliot ofi the Troehilidse.
The next smallest comes from Veragua^ '64; but Veragua also furnishes one with a bill of "74. Ecuador gives speci- mens of '70, as Panama docs, and also one of '79;, nearly "10 of an inch longer. Columbia produces examples with bills of "08, being among those of very small dimensions, and one of '80, the longest of the whole series. It will, then, be clearly seen that neither the short nor the long bill is characteristic of specimens coming from any particular locality, but that the two extremes are not unfrequently to be met with in the same place ; and thus there are no grounds whatever left to cause us to believe that the length of the bill, or wing, or tail, has any specific value.
Besides the names which I have already mentioned as the prominent ones given to this species, there are probably one or two more which will have also to become synonyms of an- gustipennis, Eraser. One of them is the Chlorostilbon smarag- dina of Cabanis & Heine. I have not seen the specimen on which this name was founded, and therefore cannot state with certainty what it may be ; but, from my general knowledge of this species, I consider that the description was taken from a specimen of angustipennis ; for I have one greatly answering it, an example coming from the same country (Venezuela), and which is undoubtedly Eraser's species. The authors state their bird is like C. chrysogaster, but a little smaller, tail scarcely forked, above and below shining green without any golden hue*. My table shows how little reliance can be placed on the size and amount of bifurcation of the tail; while the large series of specimens before me exhibit all variations of colour, from all green with dull crowns to brilliant crowns and bodies reflect- ing all shades of gold in the midst of the green. I feel there- fore that I probably shall not widely err if I place Messrs. Cabanis and Heine's name among the synonyms of angusti- pennis. In his ' Eauna Peruana,' Tsehudi describes what I believe to be a young male of this species as Trochilus phceopy- gus, the colour beneath, greyish white, not being found in any
* "Simillima C. cJirysogastres, sed paulo minor, cauda vix furcata, supra subtusque nitore virescente minus aurato. Long. tot. 3', al. 7'", caud. 1'", rostr. culm. 7'"."
Mr. D. G. Elliot on the TrocliilidjB. 159
adult male of any of the species belonging to this group, Avhile it does comprise a large portion of the plumage of young males. I have therefore placed the name among the synonyms. The following is a list of the specimens I have examined : — Volcano of Chiriqui, 1 (^rce), Veragua, 5 [Arce), Mus. S. & G. Yeragua, 2 {Arce), Mus. D. G. E. Isthmus of Pa- nama, 1 {Hughes), Mus. P. L. S. ; 4 {McLeannan) , 2 {Huc/hes), Mus. S. & G. i 5 {Arce), Mus. D. G. E. Columbia, Popayan, 1 {Bourc), Mus. D. G. E.; Medellin, 3 {Salmon), Mus. S. & G. Venezuela, 1 {Spence), Mus. P. L. S. Ecuador, Pallatanga, 1 {Fraser), Mus. P. L. S. ; 1 {McLeannan), 2 {ex Higgins), Mus. S.&G. ; 5 {Buckley), Rio Napo, 1 {ex Whitehj), Mus. D. G. E.; Citado, 1 {Buckley), type of C. pumilus, Mus. J. Gould.
Chlorostilbon atala.
Ornismya atala. Lesson, Hist. Nat. Troch. p. 118, pi. 42.
Chlorostilbon atala, Gould, Mon. Troch. v. pi. 356 ; id. Intr. Troch. p. 177, sp. 403.
Chlorostilbon caribceus, Lawr. Ann. N. Y. Lye. Nat. Hist, vol. X. p. 2?
Hab. Trinidad {Boucard) ; Curayoa {Lawrence) .
This species appears to be a native of Trinidad, and may possibly be found upon the mainland ; but of this I am not quite sure, as I have not seen any thoroughly authenticated specimens from the continent. It is very closely allied to C. prasinus, Less., but may be distinguished by possessing a scalloped tail, which that species has not. Individuals, how- ever, vary slightly in the amount of the bifui'cation, which in no case is of any considerable extent. Mr. Gould places Lesson's name with two marks of interrogation, but uses it nevertheless. Why there should be any doubt about it, is not so easy to explain, because Lesson^s description is very clear, and his plate answers well to it, with the exception of the under tail-coverts having been left white, an evident omission of the colourist, the only white mentioned in the description being that of the anal region, a character common to all the species of this group. If with a larger series of specimens
IGO Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilid®.
it should be found that the bifurcation gradually disappears in various localities, then atala of Lesson would run into prasinus, Less., as there is no other character by which they can be separated, the slight difference in the shades of bluish green or greenish blue being of no specific value whatever.
I have placed, with a ?, Mr. Lawrence^s C. caribceus, from Cura9oa, described in the tenth volume of the ' Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York/ as a synonym of this species. I have not seen the type, and therefore cannot speak with certainty in regard to its specific value ; but as his description agrees with specimens of C atala before me, and as he apparently founds his species upon a variation of colour only, w^hich by itself has no specific value in this group of birds, I think it probable that his name is a synonym of C. atala. Unfortunately no mention is made of the shape of tlie tail, whether square or forked, which is of specific importance*.
The only specimens I have seen are : —
Trinidad, 3 {Boucard), Mus. D. G. E.
ChLOROSTILBON HiEBERLlNl.
Chlorostilbon hceberlini, Licht. Mus. Berl. ; Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Th. iii. p. 48, footnote (1860).
Chlorestes hceberlini, Reich. Aufz. Colibr. p. 7 (1853) ; id. Troch. Enum. p. 4, t. 703. f. 4578-80.
Chlorostilbon hceberlini, Gould, Intr. Troch. p. 175, sp. 398.
Chlorostilbon nitens, Lawr. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. 1861, p. 305 ; Gould, Intr. Troch. p. 179, sp. 410.
Hab. Panama (McLeawwa/i); Columbia (^ya^^; Venezuela.
This species, coming from Panama, Columbia, and Vene- zuela, and to which it appears that Prof. Reichenbach first allot- ted the name of hceberlini, is distinguishable from all the other members of this genus by having the basal half of the man- dible red in life, the remaining portion, as well as the maxilla, being black. Specimens vary, like those of other species of Chlorostilbon, in the shades of green possessed in their plu- mage ; and some have brilliant crowns. It is to these indi- viduals that Mr. Lawrence has given the name of nitens, as
* Since the above was written I have seen Mr. Lawrence's type of C. cari- haus in his collection, and am convinced it should be referred to C. atala.
Atr. 1). (>. Elliot on the Trochilidfe. 161
above cited. His specimen came from Venezuela ; but as I have a specimen from the same country with a green crown, like the majority of those from Columbia, I do not deem this of sufficient importance to constitute a species, especially as in all other respects the examples are alike. I have there- fore placed Mr. Lawrence's name as a synonym of heeberlini. This species has been compared with C. chrysogaster, Bourc, both by Cabanis and Lawrence, under the different names em- ployed by them, as being a little smaller; but neither of them in his comparison speaks of the mandible having the basal half red, which is really the only character that is at all trust- worthy, by which the species may be recognized. Speci- mens from Columbia and Venezuela are not to be distin- guished from each other, with which also those brought by Mr. Wyatt from near Cartagena (the locality of the type of heeberlini) fully agree.
The specimens examined by me are : —
Columbia, 1 [Leadbeater) , Herradura, 1 [Wyatt), Mus. P. L. S. ; Bucaramanga, 2 {Wyatt), Ocana, 1 {Wyatt), Lion-Hill Station, Panama, 1 {McLeannan),M.ws.'&.k,(j.; Santa Marta, 1, Venezuela, 1 {ex Gould), Bogota, 3 {ex Whitely), Columbia, 2 {ex Boucard), Mus. D. G. E.
Chlorostilbon pucherani.
Trochilus pucherani, Bourc. & Muls. Rev. Zool. 1848, p. 271, juv. S .
Trochilus nitidissimus, Licht. Mus. Berol. ; Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Th. iii. p. 47, sp. 103 (1860).
Trochilus lamprus. Natter. Mus. Monac. (testibus Cab. & Heine et von Pelz.).
Chlorostilbon prasinus , Gould, Mon. Troch. v. pi. 355 ; id. Intr. Troch. p. 176, sp. 401.
Chlorostilbon igneus, Gould, Intr. Troch. p. 176, sp. 402 (red var.) .
Hylocharis flavifrons (Gm.), von Pelz. Ornith. Brasil. p. 33 (1871).
Trochilus similis, Bourc. MS.
Hylocharis similis, Bp. Consp, i. p. 74.
Hub. South-eastern Brazil {Rogers, Natterer, Youds).
162 Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilida.
This species was first described by Bourcier and Mulsant in the ' lle\aie Zoologique ■" for 1848 ; but for some unac- countable reason Mr. Gould substituted for it the name of prasinus, given by Lesson to an entirely different bird. The colouring of the bill alone should have been amply sufficient to prevent the two from ever being confounded, o.?, prasinus has a black bill, while the present one has a red bill in life, that fades after death to a pale yellow, leaving only the tip black, when the bird is adult. The Chlorostilbon igneus of Gould is a ruddy variety of the present species, which beautiful style is not unfrequently met with among the green Humming-birds. The bird called Hylocharis flavifrons (Gm.) by Von Pelzeln is this species, as I determined from specimens sent to me by H. von Pelzeln from the Vienna Museum. I published this in * The Ibis ' for 1874, p. 89, but there referred the bird to C. prasinus, intending by that name to indicate the present species. It must now read, " equal to C. pucherani, Bourc.^^ I find that this species varies very greatly in the length of the biU among individuals, the two extremes before me being, measured along the gape, "66 and 'SS inch; but between these are all the in- termediate lengths, so that I have no choice but to regard the difterence as being of no specific value. The colours vary also about the head and breast ; but all have a green abdomen and flanks, in contradistinction to its near ally, C. splendidus, Vieill., from the more southern part of the continent, which appears there to replace the present sj)ecies. I have before me the type of C. similis, Bourcier, procured by me from j\I. Bour- cier himself. It cannot in any way be separated from C. puche- rani, with which, so far as I can see, it is identical in every re- spect. The type is that of a fully adult highly plumaged male. The specimens I have examined are : — Brazil, 1 [Salle) , 1 {Bourcier) , 1 {Bourcier) [type of C. si- milis~\,\ {ex Gould) ; Santa Fe, Minas Geraes, 1 {Rogers), 1 {ex Gould) , 2 {ex Boucard) , 1 {ex Whitely) , Rio Janeiro, 1 {Bourcier) , like C. igneus, Gould, Ypanema, 1 {Natterer) , called Hylocha- ris flavifrons by Von Pelz., Mus. D.G. E. 1 {Verreaux), Mus. P. L. S.; Santa Fe, Minas Geraes, 1 {Rogers), Rio Ja- neiro, 1 {Youds), Mus. S. & G.
Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidse. 163
Chlorostilbon prasinus.
The All Green Humming bird, Edwards^ Gleanings (17G4), p. 316, pi. A 360, fig. 1.
L'Orvert, Buffon, PI. Enlum. torn. vii. pi. 13 (text only).
OrnisniT/a prasina {I'Orvert), Less. Hist. Nat. Ois. Mouch. p. 188, pi. 65.
Prasitis prasina, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Th. iii. (1861) p. 49, sp. 107.
Trochilus daphne, Bourc. ?
Chlorostilbon peruanus, Gould, Intr. Troch. (1861), p. 177, sp. 405.
Chloristilbon napensis, Gould, Intr. Troch. (1861), p. 177, sp. 406.
Chlorostilbon brevicaudatus, Gould, Intr. Troch. (1861), p. 178, sp. 407.
Argytria media, Pelz. Orn. Brasil. p. 29.
Argytria meliphila, Pelz. Orn. Brasil. p. 29.
Argytria phoebe. Lesson & Delattre, Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 17, juv. ?
Hab. Venezuela; Cajenneifide Boucard, Veireaux); Ama- zonian region, Peru {Hauxwell) .
Although I have stated that perhaps no species has given more trouble to ornithologists than the C. angustipennis , I may perhaps make an exception in favour of the species now under consideration; and I think that the above list of synonyms will bear out the truth of my assertion, and suffi- ciently show how diverse have been the opinions of naturalists when considering the proper appellation to be given to their specimens. The history of the species appears to be as fol- lows ; and it is the more important that it should be traced from its source, because an entirely different species from the one described as ]jrasinus by Lesson has of late years been allowed to usurp that name, and thus the majority of orni- thologists have been misled. Edwards, in his ' Gleanings,^ figured and described a little green Humming-bird with a black bill and rounded tail, two very important characters in the history of this bird. Buffon, as quoted above, describes this bird as I'Orvert, and refers to Edwards's plate and.
1G4 Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidse.
description, and also speaks of the tail not being forked and not extending beyond the wings, in fact, quite short. Next comes Lesson, in hns 'HistoireNaturelle desOiseaux-Mouches,' and gives to the " Orvert " of Buffon the name of Ornismya prasina, and also describes the black bill, rounded tail, and wings as long as the tail. Lesson's figure of the species is easily recognizable. It is thus established beyond a doubt that the pi'asina of Lesson is a black-billed bird with a slightly rounded tail, and the wings as long as that member. This description answers perfectly for the bird we are accus- tomed to receive from Cayenne, the Amazonian region, and Eastern Peru ; and the figure published by Lesson enables us to feel assured that our determination of his prasina is cor- rect. Bourcier, in his MS., designated a bird from Peru with a wash of blue on. the throat Trochilus daphne ; and in his ' Introduction to the Trochilidse, Mr. Gould adopted this name, and further subdivided the species into three more, under the names oi peruanus, napensis, and brevicaudatus, founding them upon a more or less amount of blue on the throat, and a very slight variation in the shape of the tail. Neither of these characters appears to be of sufficient importance to war- rant a specific distinction, as they are not constant ; that is to say, among individvials the quantity of blue on the throat and the extent of difference of shape in the tail are found to vary, the differences, after all, being very slight, although it might be that some would be inclined to regard the extremes as dift'erent species. The C. brevicaudatus answers perfectly for the de- scription of prasinus, Lesson, and has very little blue obser- vable upon the throat ; this is followed by the style called. napensis, with more blue, and this succeeded by peruanus, to be followed by daphne, which has the throat and some of the breast washed with blue. In 1839 Lesson described a young bird as Ornismya phoebe ; and this, from the difficulty of ascer- taining by the description what species it really was, has been avoided by ornithologists, and Mr. Gould placed it in his ' Introduction' as among the undetermined species. Attached to the type of C. peruanus, kindly lent to me by Mr. Gould, and which he obtained from M. Bourcier, is a label upon
Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidse. 165
■which, in Bourcier's handwriting, is the following : — " T. phcebe. Je n'ai pas public cette espece k bee noir vcnant du Perou, parcequc Lesson a deja donne ce nom." Having no doubt that Bourcier had compared this specimen with Les- son's type to have enabled him to arrive at this conclusion, I have no hesitation in placing Lesson's name of phcebe among the synonyms oi prasinus, Less. In any case, if Bour- cier's identification is correct, Mr. Gould's name oi peruanus would have to sink into a synonym. C. prasinus, then, is a species easily recognized by its short nearly square tail and long wings, reaching to the end of the rectrices. The Argytria media, Pelz., and C meliphila, Pelz., I have ascer- tained, from the examination of the types, to be this species {vide Ihis., 1874, p. 263).
The specimens I have examined are as follows : — Cayenne: 1 (ea? FerreoMa;), Mus. P. L. S.; 1, Mus. S.&G. ; 1 {ex Gould), 1 {ex jBoMcar^), Mus. D. G. E. Ecuador: 1 {ex Whitely), Mus. D. G. E. Peru: 1 {Hauxwell), 1 {Lerch), Mus. D. G. E. j 2 {Hauxwell), Mus. S. & G. ; 1, type of daphne, Bourc, 1, type oi peruanus, Gould, Mus. J. Gould.
Chloristilbon splendidus.
Trochilus splendidus, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. torn. vii. p. 361 (1817); id. Enc. Meth. p. 563 (1823).
Trochilus phaethon, Bourc. Rev. Zool. 1848, p. 274.
Chlorestes phaethon, Reich. Enum. Trochil. p. 4, pi. 755, figs. 4734, 4735.
Chlorostilbon bicolor, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Th. iii. p. 46, sp. 102 (1860) .
Chlorostilbon phaethon, Gould, Mon. Troch. v. pi. 354; id. Intr. Troch. p. 175, sp. 399.
Drochilus flavifrons, Gould, Voy. Beagle, Birds, p. 110.
Ornismya aureiventris, D'Orb. & Lafresn. Syn. Av. p. 28.
Chlorostilbon aureiventris, Gould, Intr. Troch. p. 176, sp. 400.
Hab. Buenos Ayres {Verreaux) to Mendoza {Weisshaupt) , across the southern part of the continent; Bolivia {D'Or- bigny) .
SER. III. VOL. V. N
166 Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trocliilidse.
Much confusion has always existed in regard to the proper appellation that should be given to the green Humming-bird coming from the more southern part of South America, with its underparts reflecting a brilliant golden hue, in contradis- tinction to the green of the other portion of the body. Some authors consider that the name of bicolor, bestowed by Gmelin upon the Saphir-cmei'aude of Bufibn (PL Enlum. vol. vii. p. 21), is the right one; and as this would take precedence over others, it is as well to look first upon what grounds the supposition is based. Buffon says of his bird that " un bleu de saphir eclatant couvre la tete et la gorge," which cer- tainly applies to no species of Chlorostilbon. Gmelin's brief de- scription is ^' Tr. smaragdino-aureus, capita gulaque cyaneis," agreeing, as far as it goes, with Buffon^s. Lesson, in his ' Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-Mouches,^ in his description, although he refers his bird to that of Buffon, does not say that it has a blue head, but that frequently blue reflections are observable, and that the "mandibule superieure est entiere- ment noire et Pinferieure se trouve etre jaunatre, excepts la pointe, qui est brune.^^ Now that will not answer at all for the bird under consideration, which has the entire bill red or flesh- colour, the point alone being brownish black. As Lesson makes no mention of a white throat, his bird cannot be the Hylocharis sappharina, as some suppose. I think, from the descriptions given by these authors just named, as well as that of Vieillot, published under the name of T. bicolor, in the Nouv. Diet. vol. vii. p. 373, and in the Ency. Meth. p. 571, that the species known as Thalurania wagleri was intended, which has a blue head and throat, and which also answers to much of the rest of those authors^ descriptions, particularly of the bill ; but there is no Chlorostilbon known, that I am acquainted with, which possesses the colours of head and body and bill necessary to enable it to receive the name of bicolor, as indicated by the authors whose works have just been men- tioned. In 1817 Vieillot described the Masbello of Azara, from Paraguay, as Trochilus splendidus; and his descrip- tion and the locality of the specimens leave no doubt that the bird afterwards named phaethon by Bourcier is intended.
Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidse. 167
Vieillot says " le bee incarnat, et a pointe noire/^ and that all the plumage, with the exception of the throat, the front of the neck, the tail, and a white spot on the belly, is a shining golden green. I know of no other species of Humming-bird from the locality given by Vieillot which could possibly an- swer to his description ; and I see no reason whatever that should cause ornithologists to hesitate in accepting his name as having prior claim to the bird afterwards named phaethon by Bourcier.
Chlorostilbon splendidus is closely allied to C. pucherani; but, besides being much larger, it has always the belly and lower parts a brilliant golden hue, with the exception of the narrow white line observable in the anal region of all adult males belonging to the species of this genus. This colouring is constant ; and united with its larger size, the two together appear to indicate a specific distinction between the birds. Like other species of Chlorostilbon, the bills vary greatly among individuals, and those of two now lying before me, one from Bolivia, the other from Mendoza, measure from the gape "94 and "80 inch respectively, while a second specimen from Mendoza, from same locality as the last, and collected by the same person, viz. Weisshaupt, has a bill "85 inch in length. This would seem to show how untrustworthy the size of the bill is on which to establish a species in this grovip. A small race of this form has been called aureiventris by D^Orbigny and Lafresnaye. Three specimens are now before me. In colour of plumage they are precisely like the larger specimen, but have a shorter wing, it measuring 1*80 as compared with 2*09 inches in my largest specimen ; but others vary between these, as, for instance, one from Chuquisaca [ex Gould) has a wing 2*03 inches, another from Mendoza, 1"93 inch ; and it would be easy, with a large number of specimens, to fill up all the intermediate dimensions, as I have shown can be done (in my table) in the case of C angustipennis.
Specimens examined : —
Brazil? 1 {Leadbeater) , Bolivia 1 [Leadbeater) , Mus. P.L.S.; Mendoza 1 [Weisshaupt), Mus. S. & G. ; Chuquisaca, Peru, 1 [ex Gould), Mendoza 2 [Weisshaupt), Chili 1 [ex Verreaux),
N 2
168 Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidffi.
Buenos Ayres 3 {ex Verreaux), Bolivia? 1 {ex Boucard), Bolivia 1 {ex Cook), Mus. D. G. E. ; these last two are the style called aureiventris.
ChLOROSTILBON AURICEPS.
Trochilus auriceps, Gould, in Jard. Contr. Orn, 1852, p. 137.
Chlorostilbon auriceps, Gould, Mon. Troch. v. pi. 350.
Chlorolampis auriceps, Gould, Intr. Troch. p. 174, sp. 393.
Hab. North-west Mexico.
This pretty species is remarkable for its narrow and greatly lengthened outer rectrices, which extend beyond those next to them '55 inch, and by which alone it can be separated from C. caniveti. In size and general colour of plumage the two species are as nearly alike as can be ; and specimens of caniveti possess as brilliantly coloured crowns as any that can be found in auriceps, thus reducing the distinctive character of its name to nil. The exact locality in which the species dwells is not yet known to us ; for it is still quite rare in col- lections.
Specimens examined : —
Mexico 2 {ex Gould), Mus. S. & G. ; Mexico 1 {ex Gould), Mexico 1 {Bourcier), Mus. D. G. E.
Chloristilbon caniveti.
Ornismya caniveti, Less. Supp. Ois.-Mouches, pp. 174, 177, pis. 37, 38.
Chlorostilbon caniveti, Gould, Mon. Troch. v. pi. 351.
Chlorolampis caniveti, Gould, Intr. Troch. p. 174, sp. 394; Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Th. iii. p. 47, footnote (1860).
Chlorostilbon osberti, Gould, P. Z. S. I860, p. 309; id. Mon. Troch. v. pi. 352.
Chlorolampis osberti, Gould, Intr. Troch. p. 174, sp. 395.
Chlorolampis salvini. Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Th. iii. (1860) p. 48, sp. 105; Gould, Intr. Troch. p. 174, sp. 396.
Hab. Mexico {Salle), Guatemala {Salvin), Honduras, Costa Rica {Arce, van Patten, i^c.) .
This species, long since described by Lesson, as above cited, has a wide range ; and the southern forms have been described as distinct by Messrs. Gould and Cabanis as osberti and
Mr D. G. Elliot on the Trocliilids. 169
salvini respectively. Mr. Gould established his species upon specimens from Guatemala, brought by Mr. Salvin ; and the only character given is its somewhat smaller size : but this will not hold good ; for, with Mr. Gould^s type before me, as well as other specimens brought by Mr. Salvin, I find that examples from Mexico brought by M. Salle are equally small, and in no way to be distinguished from typical osberti. Costa- Rican specimens, separated by Cabanis as salvini, also are undistinguishable from osberti or caniveti; and with an am- ple series before me to judge, I cannot perceive any characters whatever to cause me to believe that there is more than one species. The brilliant crown is common to all, while, at the same time, individuals appear from all the difierent localities with green crowns exhibiting but little brilliancy, which may be accounted for by difference of season in which the birds were killed. The green of the body varies in intensity and tint, as is the case in all the species of this group, and for specific importance goes for nothing. C. caniveti is very closely allied indeed to C. auriceps, Gould, the only per- ceptible difference is that the rectrices of auriceps are longer and narrower ; and although the rectrices of caniveti vary in length and width, I have not found any that are precisely like those of C. auriceps.
I give a table of measurements taken from seventeen spe- cimens, from Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, showing how closely they all approximate to each other in size.
My specimens are : —
Mexico: 1 {Salle), 1 [Be Oca), Mus. S. & G.; 1 [Salle), Mus. P.L.S. ; 11 [Salle), Mus. D.G.E. Guatemala : Duenas 3 [Salvin), Mus. D. G. E. ; Duenas 11 [Salvin), Vera Paz 3 [Salvin), Mus. S. & G. Costa Rica : 3 [Arce), Mus. S. & G. j 1 [Endres), 1 [ex Gould), 3 [Van Patten), Mus. D. G. E.
Bill along Amount
gape. Wing. Tail. of fork.
1. Mexico [SalU) -60 1-80 1-45 -75
2. Oaxaca, Mexico (Boucard) . . -65 1-80 1-45 -77
3. Mexico {Salle) -65 1-80 1-45 79
4. „ „ -69 1-85 1-23 '65
5. „ „ -70 1-85 1-40 -70
170 Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilid*.
|
Bill along |
Amount |
||||
|
gape. |
Wing. |
Tail. |
of fork. |
||
|
6. |
Jalapa, Mexico (De Oca) |
•70 |
1-79 |
140 |
•67 |
|
7. |
Duefias, Guatemala (Sakin), |
||||
|
type of C. osberti |
•67 |
1-84 |
1-25 |
•52 |
|
|
8. |
Coban, Vera Paz (Salvi7i) . . |
•67 |
1-85 |
1-38 |
•55 |
|
9. |
SanGeronimo, Vera Paz ((Sa^y. ) |
•69 |
1-90 |
1-30 |
•56 |
|
10. |
Lanquin, Vera Paz {Salvin) . |
•67 |
1-85 |
1^40 |
•70 |
|
11. |
Duefias, Guatemala (Salvin) . |
•69 |
1-75 |
1^30 |
•65 |
|
12. |
)} V )} |
•65 |
1-82 |
1-.30 |
•45 |
|
13. |
11 11 11 |
•70 |
1^76 |
1^25 |
•49 |
|
14. |
Vol. de Fuego (Salvin) .... |
•67 |
175 |
1-20 |
•45 |
|
15. |
Costa Rica ( Van Patten) . . |
•69 |
1^82 |
imperfect. |
|
|
16. |
Tucuriqui, Costa Rica (Arce) |
•70 |
1^80 |
117 |
•45 |
|
17. |
Costa Rica |
•72 |
1-81 |
1-18 |
•38 |
The Genus Panychlora.
Panychlora poortmani.
Ornismya poortmani, Bourc. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 2.
Chlorostilbon poortmanni, Gould, Mon. Trocli. v. pi. 358.
Panychlora poortmanni, Cab. & Hein. Mus. Hein. Th. iii. (1860) p. 50, sp. Ill ; Gould, Intr. Troch. p. 180, sp. 414.
Ornismya esmeralda, Less, in Mus. Hein. & Berol.
Hab. Columbia [Salmon, Chesterton, ^c).
This species, belonging to the green-tail division of the black-billed group of this genus, has for its near ally (and the only species with which it may be confounded) P. alicite, Bourc. It may, however, readily be distinguished from that bird by the long bill, the grass-green of the abdomen, and the lighter green of the tail ; and these characters appear to be constant. It is also a somewhat larger bird, and I have never been able to find any intermediate sizes between the two species ; the difference of colour in the tail is very marked; and the species appear well established. It was first described by Bourcier in the ' Revue Zoologique ' as Or- nismya poortmani ; and, according to Cabanis, Lesson gave the name of " esmeralda " to specimens in the Museums of Berlin and of Herr Heine. It is not uncommon in the inte- rior of Columbia^ and frequently comes in collections from Bogota.
Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trodiilidffi. 171
My specimens are : —
Antioquia, Columbia, 3 (Salmon) , Columbia 5 (eo? Whitely) , Mus. D.G.E.; Bogota 1 [Chesterton), 2 [ex Truhner), Mus. S. & G. ; Bogota 1 {Ward), 1 (Stevens), 1 (Eyton), Mus. P. L. S.
PaNYCHLORA ALICI.E.
Trochilus alicia, Bourc. & Muls. Bev. Zool. 1848, p. 274.
Chlorostilbon alicice, Gould. Mon. Troch. v. pi. 357.
Panychlora aliciae, Gould, Intr. Troch. p. 179, sp. 411.
"Panychlora aurata, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Tli. iii. (1860) p. 50, sp. 110?
Hab. Caracas, Venezuela (Bourcier, Boucard).
This species, first described by Bourcier and Mulsant in the ' Bevue Zoologique,^ as above cited, is one of the very smallest of Humming-birds. It is easily recognized by its entirely golden-green breast and very dark green tail, almost black in some specimens at the base. It can only be confounded with the P. poortmani ; but its short bill and differently coloured tail will easily distinguish it. I have placed the P. aurata of Cab. & Heine among the synonyms of this species, judging from their description, which answers capitally for this bird. The locality, Peru, however, is one from which I have never seen a specimen of this species brought. It is possible the learned authors may have been misled as to the habitat of their specimen. Smaragdites euchloris, Beich., appears from the figure to be P. alicice, from the dark tail ; but the figure is so unsatisfactory that access to the type will be necessary to enable one to say what the bird really is.
My specimens are : —
Caracas : 1, type of species (Bourcier), 1 (ex Gould), 5 (Bou- card), Mus. D. G. E.
Panychlora stenura.
Panychlora stenura. Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Th. iii. p. 50 (footnote) (1860); Gould, Intr. Troch. p. 180, sp. 413.
Panychlora alicia, Wyatt, Ibis, 1871, p. 379.
Chlorostilbon acuticaudus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1860, p. 308.
Hab. Merida, Venezuela (Goering) ; Ocana, Columbia (Wyatt).
172 Mr. J, Cordeaux on the Heligoland
This species is remarkable in this section of the green Humming-birds by its extremely slender pointed outer rec- trices. It is much larger than its relatives P. alicice and P. poortmanif though in colour it is similar to the latter. It is very rare in collections — the type in the Museum Heineanum, and two or three others, being all that have been sent to Europe.
The specimens examined are : —
Merida 1 [Goering), Ocana, Columbia, 1 {Wyatt), Mus. S. &G.
X. — Notes on the Birds of Heligoland in Mr. Gdtke's Collection. By John Cordeaux.
Having recently paid a short visit to the island of Heligo- land, during which I had an opportunity of inspecting the collection of birds formed by Mr. H. Gatke, and knowing the great interest that has always been taken by ornithologists in every thing relating to the avifauna of this wonderful little spot of land, I submit the following notes to the readers of ' The Ibis,' trusting that they may not be without interest. 1 can only regret that limited time, as well as a limited knowledge of European ornithology, prevented me doing full justice to this remarkable and unique collection.
In 'Naumannia' for 1858 (p. 303), the late Professor Blasius gave an account of Mr. Gatke's most noteworthy cap- tures on the island up to that year, a translation of which appeared in 'The Ibis' for 1862 (p. 58). This, and a list contributed by Mr. Gatke himself to the ' Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal' (New Series, ix. p. 333), comprise nearly all the ornithological information that has appeared in this country with respect to the island. It is, however, with great satisfaction that I am enabled to state that Mr. Gatke is at present engaged in the preparation of a work on the birds of Heligoland, which he expects to publish shortly. This work will be not only of remarkable interest to ornitho- gists generally, but also do more, in its collected facts and
Bh'ds in Mr. Gdtke's Collection. 173
statements, to throw new light on the difficult and, as yet, little understood subject of migration than any work of its kind that has yet appeared.
Mr. Gatke has for more than twenty years kept regular journals of the arrival of those innumerable flocks and parties of birds which, during the period of the vernal and autumnal migrations, visit his island. These include nearly all our common English migrants. He has also scrupulously and carefiilly, in the most painstaking manner, chronicled the appearance of every rare wanderer that has come under his notice during the same period, taking descriptions and mea- surements and other notes of the fresh specimens, and in most cases, when of sufficient value and interest, added it to his collection. Many of these rarer and occasional visi- tants ai'e wanderers from Northern Asia and America, others from North Africa and Southern Europe. In fact it may be almost said that birds of all countries are brought together on this lonely rock in the North Sea.
As an illustration of the value of these observations, and the extraordinary number of rare visitants which turn up, I will give an extract, which Mr. Gatke allowed me to take, from his journal for 1869 : —
'• 1869. October 1st. Wind E., fine .... Emberiza pusilla. One shot.
Anthus cervinus. Two, both old birds. Muscicapa parva. One. Turdus whitii. One. Regulus modestus. One.
2nd. Turdus sioainsoni. One, 5 mature.
3rd to 4th. N.N.E., rain Muscicapa parva. Two, cf and $.
16th. Turdus zvhitii. One, $ .
16th to 31st. S.W.toN.W. (very Anthus richardi. Every day in small bad weather). parties (from three to eight),"
Heligoland lies directly in the track of the migratoiy flights from Southern Europe and Africa to those great bird-nur- series amidst the bleak inhospitable fells and arctic plains of Northern Europe and the frozen tundras of Asia. Birds in their migratory passage from one land to another follow, as a rule, the coast-line, and find this red-sandstone rock a con-
174 Mr. J. Corcleaux on the Heligoland
venieiit resting-place, a half-way house, between the Texel and the Naze. The lofty cliffs are visible many miles at sea ; and at night the fan-like rays of the lighthouse, situated on the highest part of the island, two hundred feet or more above the sea-level, blaze forth like the rays of a sun, visible across miles of the stormy North Sea, attracting thousands of birds moving far above in their dreary night-journey. On some nights the air seemed alive with the fluttering of thousands of wings and the innumerable cries of birds. At early morning, after a stormy autumn night, flocks of winged travellers from distant lands are collected on the barren rock ; for two thirds of the island is a mere bleak headland, exposed to every wind, and without the shelter of a tree or bush. Their number is often almost incredible.
On the evening of the 6th of November, 1868, at the He- ligoland lighthouse, up to 9.30 p.m., when the moon rose and the birds discontinued coming to the light, 3 400 Larks were captured round the lantern, fluttering and beating against the glass. Of these Mr. Gatke took 440 with his own hands. The same evening, with nets, lights, and so forth, on the flats surrounding the building, 11,600 others were taken, making altogether a grand total of 15,000 Larks. Besides these, many Snipes, Plovers, and other Waders were heard calling.
The line of flight of all birds in Heligoland is due E. and W., as correct as if they were steering by compass. This, Mr. Gatke says, is invariably the case, whether observed by day, by eyesight, or at night, by the sound of their wiogs, in spring or autumn.
The young birds always come first in the migration of each species, the old birds migrating later and bringing up the rear. This holds good both in the spring and autumn.
A curious fact connected with the ornithology of Heligo- land is, that frequently birds, once regular visitants, disap- pear almost completely, to turn up again ten or fifteen years afterwards in greater abundance than ever. Others, again, once rare, and only occasional visitants, are now abundant.
Before proceeding with my list I must add that my thanks
Birds in Mr. Gdtke's Collection. 175
are clue to Professor Newton for the assistance he has ren- dered me in preparing these notes.
Aquila chrysaetus (Linnaeus). Immature, Nov. 9th, 1867.
Haliaetus ALBiciLLA (LinnsBus) .
Nov. 4th, 1870. Shot by Mr. Gatke's son, and in the collec- tion. Another, a fine mature bird, was picked up dead on the beach of Sandy Island on the last day of January 1875.
Falco gyrfalco, Linnaeus. Oct. 12th, 1863.
Falco vespertinus, Linnaeus.
Recent occurrences are June 4th, 1859 ; May 20th, 1868. A fine old male.
Falco cenchris, Naura.
A single example occurred some years since in May,
MiLvus iCTiNus (Savigny). Not uncommon as a migrant.
MiLvus MIGRANS (Boddacrt) .
Turns up every year on the island, either in the spring or autumn.
BuTEO VULGARIS, Lcach.
Occasional; turning up also sometimes in winter, when hard frosts set in.
BuTEO LAGOPUS (J. F. Gmclin) .
A few in the spring and autumn, but is the least numerous of any of the Buzzards.
Pernis apivorus (Linnseus).
Mr. Gatke says this is by far the most common of the Buzzards, not, however, appearing in the spring before it really has become warm, returning southward again in Au- gust and September. Besides single specimens, and two and three at a time, there are during both •periods of migration not very unfrequently such flights that they may almost be termed thousands — not all massed together, but passing over
176 Mr. J. Cordeaux on the Heligoland
from midday to evening in batches of from five to fifteen or twenty to fifty, one following the other so closely that the first batch is not out of sight before the third or even the fourth begins to show already. The vernal migration takes place about the latter part of May, or a little earlier, on warm days with a calm clear sky and easterly wind.
Circus cineraceus (Montagu).
Circus swainsoni. Smith.
In the collection, three immature birds.
Nyctala tengmalmi (J. F. Gmelin) . Recent occurrences are Oct. 15th, 1859, two caught ; Nov. 1866, one.
Asio ACciPiTRiNus (Pallas) . Common in the autumn migration.
Scops giu (Scopoli). May 16th, 1863.
Lanius excubitor, Linneeus.
Several in Mr. Gatke's collection. I saw other examples also in the shops of the bird-stuffers. Appears to be a com- mon migrant, arriving early in spring and late in the autumn.
Lanius minor, J. F. Gmelin.
Not so common as L. excubitor, occurring in the propor- tion of one to two of the former, is a much shier bird, and very diflScult to get near.
Lanius collurio^ Linnaeus. In the collection.
Lanius auriculatus, P. L. S. Miiller. The same.
Lanius phoenicurus, Pallas.
One example in the collection. Oct. 26th, 1854*.
MusciCAPA coLLARis, Bechstcin.
June 3rd, 1860, a male, the only example hitherto obtained.
* With regard to tliis species Mr. Gatke has recently informed me by letter, " it has turned out my little red-tailed Butcherbird is not L. ph(e- nicurus, Pallas, but some other smaller species.
Birds in Mr. Gdtkt's Collection. 177
MusciCAPA PARVA, Bcchstein.
On several occasions^ and in some numbers, invariably in October.
CiNCLUs AQUATicus, Bechstcin.
The examples in the collection belong to the black-bellied Scandinavian form.
TuRDus VARius, Pallas.
Has occurred several times. Mr. Gatke has five in one case, magnificent examples, all of which came fresh into his hands. Others have been seen and not obtained. Some recent occurrences are : — October 4th, 1864 ; April 23rd, 1869, a male; Oct. 1st, 1869, seen but not obtained; Oct. 16th, 1869, a female ; Sept. 18th, 1870, not obtained.
TuRDus swAiNsoNi, Cab.
Oct. 2nd, 1869, a mature male.
TuRDUS RUFICOLLIS, Pall.
Immature, shot towards the end of November 1843.
TuRDUs iLiACus, Linnseus.
There is a very dark variety in the collection, resembling, if not referable to, Turdus sibiricus of Pallas.
Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn.). Oct. 28th, 1840.
MoNTicoLA saxatilis (LinnsBus).
May 17th, 1860. Mr. Gatke has subsequently informed me of a second capture, a fine immature bird, on the 12th of November, 1874.
MoNTicoLA CYANUS (Liunseus) . One example in the collection.
Accentor collaris (Scopoli).
Recent occurrences are: — Oct. 17th, 1862; May 2nd, 1870; and April 29th, 1873; and on two previous occasions.
Ruticilla suecica (Linnaeus).
A common migrant. There is a fine series in this collec-
178 Mr. J. Cordeaux on the Heligoland
tion. I also observed many examples in the bird-stuffers' shops. It occurs every May, if warm and moist, in gi'eat num- bers, twenty to thirty, and even forty a day ; but with cold and dry weather, and northerly winds, it is very scarce. It again ar- rives, when fine, at the end of August, and in greater numbers than in the spring ; it is then found in the potato-plots on the exposed and open part of the island. In the spring it is to be met with in the gardens, in gooseberry-bushes, &c.
RuTiciLLA PHCENicuRus (LinnsBus) .
A common migrant. About ten days before my visit, namely on the night of the 3rd of September, 1874, many Redstarts and Stonechats were taken round the lighthouse. Like almost every bird captured on the island, they were plucked and eaten. From the number of wings and tail-fea- thers of these species scattered about, their number must have been very considerable. One in the collection, with large white patch on the secondary wing-feathers is perhaps Sylvia mesoleuca, Ehr. See Ibis, 1874, p. 343.
RUTICILLA TITYS (Scopoli) .
A not uncommon migrant. I saw either a female or young bird of the year on the cliff on the morning of the 14th.
Saxicola rubicola (Linnseus).
A common migrant in the autumn, arriving early in Sep- tember.
Saxicola rubetra (Linnaeus).
The same remark applies ; but this is always the most plen- tiful of the two.
Saxicola (ENANTHE (Linnseus).
Very numerous both in the spring and autumn. I found it plentiful on the Heligoland cliffs, as well as on Sandy Island. In the afternoon of the 19th of September, when beating out of the North Channel, several Wheatears, coming from the N.E., passed the cutter, flying just high enough to clear the waves, and making for the island.
Bh'dn in Mr. Gatke's Collection. 179
Saxicola albicollis (Vieill.).
October 2Gtli, 1851, and May 12th, 1860; both fine old males.
Saxicola stapazina (Linnaeus).
Though shot but twice, observed at least every other year.
Saxicola leucomela (Pallas) . May 9th, 1867, a fine old male.
Saxicola leucura (Vieillot).
May 17th, 1873, a male. From fifteen to twenty years ago a specimen was obtained in autumn.
Aedon galactodes (Temminck). In the collection.
Hypolais icterina (Vieillot). In the collection^.
AcROCEPHALus AQUATicus (J. F. Gmcliu) . Occasionally. Three examples of this well-marked species in the collection.
AcROCEPHALUS CERTHIOLA (Pallas) .
One in the collection, a most beautiful example.
LUSCIOLA CALIGATA (Licht.) .
Two in the collection.
Sylvia melanocephala (Gmelin). April 20, 1873.
Phylloscopus borealis (Blasius).
First occurrence Oct. 6th, 1854. Mr. Gatke is pretty cer- tain he saw another on the 1st of June, 1859.
Phylloscopus nattereri (Bonelli).
The first occurrence was on Oct. 8th, 1861 ; a second just
* Mr. Gatke has in his collection a bird allied to Hypolais icterina, and which he considered to be identical with Sylvia japonica. He describes it in a letter " as by far the yellowest of all our yet known European Salicarice, yellower than hypolais or sibilatrix, but still of that particular kind of delicate yellow." It appeared to me to be closely allied to Hy- polais icterina. It has the blue legs of Hypolais ; and there is a rather broad and vei'y distinct lightish band on the wing.
180 Mr. J. Cordeaux on the Heligoland
after my visit, Oct. 9th, 1874. This was killed by a boy with a pea-shooter.
Phylloscopus superciliosus (J. F. Gmelin).
This most interesting little wanderer turns up regularly every autumn, invariably arriving with N.E. winds. Indi- viduals have occurred from 1859 to 1874 on various days be- tween Sept. 19th and Oct. 16th inclusive. Several are some- times seen which are not obtained.
Regulus cristatus, K. L. Koch. ^
Occurs in the autumn in October in large flocks.
Dendrceca virens (Gmelin).
Oct. 19th, 1858, a very good example. Appears to be in transition-plumage, from summer to winter.
Troglodytes pakvulus, K. L. Koch.
This little favourite of our gardens and shrubberies is found in considerable numbers in the autumn in the small enclosures attached to the houses in the town, as well as on every part of the bleak exposed headland, and even on the cliffs themselves. Mr. Gatke had no doubt whatever of its migratory habits. I have long held the same opinion ; for whence come the number we invariably find in October in our treeless and exposed Lincolnshire and Holdemess marsh dis- tricts, as well as amongst the marram-covered sand hills along the coast ?
Parus major, Linnaeus.
AcREDULA CAUDATA (Liunseus) .
In the collection. This is the Scandinavian bird with the pure white head.
Ampelis garrulus, Linnaeus. Accidentally, late in the autumn.
MoTACiLLA LUGUBRis, Tcmmiuck.
MoTACiLLA ALBA, Liunseus.
MoTACiLLA VIDUA, Suudcvall. May 18th, 1866.
Birds in Mr. Gdtke's Collection. 181
MOTACILLA CITREOLA, PallaS.
Four occurrences; recent ones are : — Nov. 15th^ 1861, and Sept. 25th, 1870, both immature.
MOTACILLA MELANOCEPHALA, Savi.
Occasionally. One was given me, purchased from the bird-stuffer at Heligoland.
Anthus cervinus, Pallas.
Two examples in the collection, both old birds, in beautiful plumage, obtained Oct. 1st, 1869. The wind easterly.
Anthus rupestris, Nilsson.
A E-ock-Pipit, shot on the island during my visit, which I examined, was the Scandinavian bird.
Anthus spipoletta (Linnseus).
Has occurred on Heligoland ; there is, however, no example in the collection.
Anthus ludovicianus (Gm.). Two examples in the collection.
Anthus campestris, Bechstein. In the collection.
Anthus richardi, Vieillot.
Was formerly of rare occurrence ; it now turns up every year in some numbers ; old birds in the spring, in May ; old and young in the autumn, in September and October; some- times in small flocks of ten, twenty, or thirty a day. In this latter season they invariably arrive under the same circum- stances as PhyUoscopus superciliosus, with a north-east wind. Mr. Gatke said that now probably something like five hundred were seen each year. An example in his collection measures 8^ inches in length.
Alauda tatarica, Pallas.
April 27th, 1874, a female, and the first example seen.
Alauda calandra, Linnaeus. In the collection.
SER. in. VOL. V. o
182 Mr. J. Cordeaux on the Heligoland
Calandrella brachydactyla (Leisler). Has occurred several timeSj both in tlie spring (May and early June) and in the autumn (September to November).
Otocorys alpestris (Linnseus) .
Twenty-five years since this species was so rare that Mr. Gatke had to give four shillings for a specimen ; now it is so common that nobody thinks it worth shooting. It arrives in the autumn with a northerly w ind^ from the middle of Oc- tober to the middle of November, day after day, and often in flocks of hundreds'^.
Emberiza lapponica (Linnaeus).
So common in the autumn that it is not considered worth shooting.
Emberiza nivalis, Linnseus.
In large flocks in the later autumn. Mr. Gatke has in his collection mature birds, both of the larger and smaller races, in breeding-plumage. There is certainly in these examples a remarkable difi'erence in size.
Emberiza pusilla, Pallas.
Nearly every year one or two, either mature or immature birds, are obtained in September and October.
Emberiza cesia, Cretzschmaer.
Recent occurrences are: — May 22nd, 1859; May 16th, 1862, fine old male; May 29th, 1866, female; May 9th, 1867; May 6th, 1873, a fine old male.
Emberiza rustica, Pallas.
One old male and two young birds in the collection. Re- cent occuiTcnces are : — Oct. 9th, 1863, immature ; September 19th, 1870, the same ; April 3rd, 1873, a fine old male.
Emreriza aureola, Pallas.
Three immature birds in the collection. The two mo8t recent captures were : — November 5th, 1864, immatiu-e ; July 8th, 1870, a female.
* Extraordinarily large flights visited the island iu the autumn of 1874.
Birds in Mr. Gdtke's Collection. 183
Emberiza cirlus, Linuseus.
The first and, I believe, the only occurrence was a fine old male, taken April 29th, 1862.
Emberiza melanocephala, Scopoli.
Two beautiful mature birds in the collection. The occur- rences are, in three consecutive years : — June 18th, 1860, a female; June 15th, 1861, a female; May 28th, 1862, a fine old male.
Emberiza hortulana, Linnaeus.
Very numerous in May and in the early part of September.
Fringilla serinus, Linnaeus.
July 14th, 1860, an old male, the only example.
Fringilla montifringilla, Linnaeus. A common migrant. Pyrrhula vulgaris, Temminck.
The specimens obtained are more richly and deeply coloured than our English bird.
Carpodacus roseus (Pallas).
About four autumnal occurrences, immature birds. One October 27th, 1865, another Oct. 15th, 1870, a very fine example.
LoxiA leucoptera, Gmelin.
Is rather a rare visitant to the island. Its appearance, like that of the Common Crossbill, is generally in August, with stormy weather from the west or north-west. From the end of August till the 20th of September in 1868 it was uncom- monly numerous, sometimes twenty or thirty together, weather fine, wind easterly and north-easterly. Mr. Gatke has a fine adult male with but two very narrow white bands across the wing, consisting merely of narrow white tips to the greater and lesser outer wing-coverts. This bird is somewhat stouter than the broad-banded ones.
LoxiA cuRViROSTRA, Liunseus.
Arrives under similar conditions to the last, in fliocks of from twenty to fifty, often with one or more white-banded indi- viduals accompanying them.
o2
184 Mr. J. Cordeaux on the Heligoland
Pastor roseus (Linnaeus). July 7i\i, 1870.
Picus viRiDis, Linnaeus. Has occurred once.
Picus MAJOR, Linnaeus.
A few every year in the autumn and spring.
Upupa epops, Linnaeus.
Every year from ten to twenty specimens, fi'om end of April to middle of May. On warm days during that period.
Alcedo ispida, Linnaeus. Very seldom ; no fixed time.
HiRUNDO rufula, Tcmminck.
May 31st, 1855. One occuiTence, a most perfect example.
Cypselus melba (Linn.).
Two have been seen in Heligoland, one of which is in Mr. Gatke's collection.
CoLUMBA PALUMBUS, Liuuaeus.
Is common during both periods of migration, flights more numerous in the autumn than in the spring, from five to ten or twenty in a flock. Time of migration from the end of March to the end of May, and from the latter part of Sep- tember to the end of October.
Turtur auritus. Gray.
Syrrhaptes paradoxus (Pallas).
Nov. 15th, 1863, two flocks, numbering seven and nine; Oct. 30th, 1863, one bird.
Charadrius virginicus, Borckhausen. Captured Dec. 20th, 1847.
Charadrius longipes, Temminck.
Three occurrences, all in the summer : — June 25th, 1857, a male; June 18th, 1860, a female; July 11th, 1867, a very fine male in perfect summer plumage.
Eudromias morinellus (Linnaeus).
Ten to fifteen years ago was comparatively common in May,
Birds in Mr. Gdtke's Collection. 185
requiring fine^ calm, warm weather and southerly winds ; it is now scarce. Mr. Gatke says he has not been able to pro- cure a fine example for his collection for four or five years.
EuDROMiAS ASiATicus (Pallas) .
Has occurred twice in Heligoland — on the 16th of No- vember, 1850, a young bird, and on May 19th, 1859, an old male in summer plumage.
JEgialitis cdronica (Gmelin).
Curiously enough, has only occurred twice ; is considered in Heligoland a very rare bird. The two occurrences were : — June 30th, 1859, immature ; May 26th, 1866, a female.
ToTANUs GLOTTIS (Pallas) .
ToTANus ocHROPUs (Liunseus).
ToTANUs GLAREOLA (Liunseus) .
ToTANUS STAGNATILIS, Bcchsteiu.
One occurrence, a fine old male, on the 7th of May, 1862. The upper surface most beautifully mottled with the curious zigzag markings peculiar to this species.
Machetes pugnax (Linnaeus).
Occurs both as a spring and autumn migrant. Mr. Gatke has a fine series of male birds in full nuptial attire.
Tringa MiNUTA, Lcislcr.
Tringa temmincki, Leisler.
Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnseus).
An autumn migi'ant, both old and young birds occurring in considerable numbers.
Phalaropus hyperboreus (Linnseus). Only two or three times in twenty years.
ScoLOPAx RusTicoLA, Liunseus.
Is not nearly of so common occurrence as formerly ; only fifteen this autumn (1874) up to November 4th.
Gallinago major (Gmelin).
BoTAURUs MiNUTUs (Liuuseus) . One example in the collection.
186 Mr. J. Cordeaux on the Heligoland
Rallus aquaticus, Linnaeus.
A few in March and April, and again in September, Octo- ber, and November, and occasionally later. Probably not more than a score, Mr. Gatkc says, could be captured in any one year on the island.
Crex pratensis, Bechstein.
In April and May, also middle of August and September ; weather warm ; pretty common, although never in gi'eat numbers.
Crex porzana (Linnaeus) .
In May when warm ; occasionally in September. Not half a score in a year, but three fourths of these in May.
Crex bailloni (Vieillot) . Only once, a fine male.
Crex pusilla (Gmelin).
Only once, a female, April 22nd, 1854. Mr. Gatkc says, a few times the little Gallinules have been seen ; but without capturing it, the species cannot be determined.
Gallinula chloropus (Linnaeus).
Occasionally occurs as a migrant in April and May when the weather is warm, also from the end of August to the 15 th of September, — so few, however, that Mr. Gatke says you cannot count on three in each successive year.
FuLiCA atra, Liimaeus.
Obtained about once a year, sometimes in spring, some- times autumn, and even in the depth of winter.
SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA (Liunseus) .
Frequently seen oif the island. On the 19th of September, when some miles to the north of Heligoland, twelve male Eiders, all in line, passed the cutter, flying towards the head- land.
SoMATERiA stelleri (Pallas) .
Has occurred three or four times ; all birds of the year.
Alca torda, Linnaeus, and Uria troile (Linnaeus). Both nest in some numbers on the cliffs. Shooting is per-
Birds in Mr. Gaike's Collection. 187
mitted from boats on and after the 25th of July, St. James's day — the feast known at Heligoland as " Jacob's day."
SuLA BASSANA (Linnseus) .
Very common in the vicinity of the island during my visit, and, indeed, in every part of the North Sea ; all mature birds. During a sixteen-days' cruise I did not see a single example of the immature bird.
Sterna caspia, Pallas.
None in the collection, although this fine Tern is occasionally seen off the island. Still nests, although in limited number, on Sylt. Mr. Gatke has two eggs in his cabinet from that locality, obtained fresh by himself during a visit he paid there early in June 1874. (See Ibis, 1874, p. 401.)
Sterna dougalli, Montagu.
Two occurrences only have been noted by Mr. Gatke.
Sterna anglica, Montagu.
In the collection. An occasional visitant.
Larus sabinii, Sabine.
One in the collection, an immature bird.
Larus rossi, Richardson.
Shot February 5th, 1858, a mature bird in winter plumage. A very fine and perfect example, most artistically set up by Mr. Gatke.
Larus minutus, Pallas. In breeding-plumage.
Larus leucopterus, Faber. Not uncommon.
Larus glaucus, Gmelin.
The same. I saw a fine immature bird close to the cutter as we were running for the island on the 13th September.
Lestris longicaudus, Vieillot. In the collection.
PuFFiNus major, Fabcr.
Verv uncommon. This, or a large Shearwater, has been
188 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvie Brown on
seen off the island, but, as far as I could ascertain, never ob- tained. All the Procellariidse, excepting Fulmarus glacialis (Linn.), appear to be of very uncommon occurrence.
Procellaria leucorrhoa, V.
One example in the collection, being the sole individual of its kind ever obtained there.
In bringing these notes to a conclusion, I cannot but ex- press my regret at their incomplete form. During a short stay of five days in the island my time was much occupied in other matters, as was also JNIr. Gatke^s in his ofl&cial duties. It was with some difficulty I managed to give up two short afternoons to the inspection of his ornithological collection only : to give then any thing like a detailed description would have required a much longer and closer examination than I was able to give. I have purposely abstained from any men- tion or notice of any but such species as I thought were of general interest and of the most importance. I trust, how- ever, enough has been said to induce some of our English ornithologists, having a thorough knowledge of the ornis of the continent of Europe, to visit Heligoland, and complete ■what I have only glanced at.
XL — The Birds of Transylvania. By Charles G. Danford, F.Z.S., and John A. Harvie Brown.
Part I.
As an introduction to this paper on the avifauna of Transyl- vania or Siebenbiirgen, it may be w ell to give a slight de- scription of the singular features which the varied surface of the land presents.
Transylvania, as will be seen on looking at a map of the country, is nearly circular in shape, and is almost surrounded by a chain of mountains, the highest peaks of which, the Pareng and Negoi, in the Hunyad and Fogaras districts of the south, are respectively 8060 feet and 8046 feet in height, while others of the same chain, such as the Vunetura-Butianu, Bucsecs, Retjezat, &c., attain heights of very nearly 8000
the Birds of Transylvania. 189
feet. The surface of the country, in point of fact, may be said to resemble a saucer or shallow cup, the land gradually curving upwards from the central undulating plain towards the rim of encircling mountains. Of the central districts of Transylvania, some portions are well wooded and watered; but there are also great tracts of country singularly destitute of timber, the innumerable minor hills and valleys being for the most part waterless.
Especially remarkable is the district of the Mezoseg (liter- ally "field-lands'"), extending from Apahida, near Klausen- burg, in the west, nearly to Maros-Vasarhely, in the east, and bounded by the courses of three of the principal rivers of Transylvania — the Maros and Aranyos (golden) rivers on the south and south-west, and the Szamos on the north and west. A monotonous country it is, having a weary outline of low hills and valleys, the former rising to a height of 200 or 300 feet, the exact counterparts of one another, and enclosing the valleys, which are alike monotonous in their aspect. The surface-soil is rich and loamy, and almost black in colour ; loose and friable in dry weather, but easily converted by a few hours^ rain into a deep sticky mud, which is exceedingly trying to the traveller, whether he be pursuing his journey on foot or driving in the strong rough carts of the country. It is often the case that not even one small stone can be de- tected along miles and miles of a Mezoseg road. The hills near the villages are cultivated to the summits ; and in spring, before the kukoricza (Indian corn) shoots up, or the scat- tered vineyards show their green leaves, the aspect of the country is monotonous in the extreme.
Underlying the loamy surface-soil, and extending through- out the whole length and breadth of the Mez5seg, at an un- varying depth of about 15 feet, is a band of hard white or yellowish white clay, having a smooth slippery upper surface. Upon this clay, which is almost as hard as rock, the lighter soil slides down the hill-sides in a most remarkable manner, forming the slopes into regular terraces, or pushing the soil lower down into wave-like ridges. In many instances these gigantic landslips actually fill up some of the smaller valleys,
190 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvie Brown
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causing a great deal of labour and inconvenience to the in- habitants.
We collected birds in the Mczoseg district from the 1st to the 20th of May ; and during that time 107 species came under our observation*. Owing to the exceptionably severe Aveather in spring of the present year (1874), the breeding of the aquatic birds was considerably retarded. As a proof of this, we found very few nests of water-fowl during our stay there, even a month after the time assigned by the natives as their usual breeding-season. The reedy lakes near Zah arc the favourite resorts of innumerable water-fowl, whether of the resident species or of those passing on their migrations. There we found a colony of Night- Herons, whilst the Purple Heron, Common Heron, and Little Bittern were also common. From amongst the great reed-beds the Thrush-like Warbler sent forth his harsh grating note ; and the rarer and more unob- trusive River- Warbler was found in small numbers. The Bearded Tit, on warm sunny days, might be seen frequenting the edges of the reed-beds ; and three specimens of the Pen- duline Tit were on one occasion observed by our assistant and fellow-traveller, Herr Klir. Marsh and Swainson^s Plarriers had their nests among the reeds ; Coots and Moorhens swam in numbers on the surface of the water ; and Black and White- winged Terns, and a few specimens of the Little Gull hovered over the water, or settled to rest on the floating roots and matted stems of the water-plants. A small flock of the White- headed Duck, together with other species of that family, floated lightly and lazily on the water under the warm sun ; and Grebes of at least three species dived along the margins
* Herr Hermann Otto, former ciu'ator of the Klauseuburg Museum, enumerates 173 species as occuri'ing to his knowledge in the Mezos^g : vide list of works at the end of this introductory portion of oiu- paper. Graf Lazar, writing of the waterbirds of Transylvania, says that there used to be many more swimmers and waders in Transylvania, and that their numbers are yearly decreasing — giving as reasons the diminished rainfall in consequence of devastation of forests, and the interference with tlieir breeding-grounds on the Theiss by certain sj'stems for the regulation of the water which have been adopted on that river.
the Birds of Transylvania. 191
of the reed-beds. And above all the many wild-bird cries which we heard, the loud croaking of innumerable frogs, like the musical throbbing notes of a large ^olian harp, was ever present.
Turning to the land, we found the vineyards on the slopes, and the little isolated clumps and belts of wood (few and far between^ like the oases of the desert) full of life ; and birds are more easily found in these small woods than in the great oak-, beach-, or pine-tracts nearer to the mountains. Golden Orioles, Nightingales, and Turtledoves vied with one another in waking the echoes ; and the warblings of the Blackcap and, more rarely, of its relation the Barred Warbler were occa- sionally heard. In the vineyards and fruit-gardens Gold- finches and Shrikes were the most conspicuous species ; and in the meadows in the valleys the " whit, whit-whit " of the Quail was constantly heard ; and the Crested Lark and the common Bunting tripped along the dusty roads or perched on the low bushes around. Thus it will be seen that the Mezoseg is rich in bird-life as in flowers ; but the heat is great at mid- summer, and the water is almost poisonous. The ornitho- logist collecting there will do well to escape, as we did, to- wards the mountains before the great heat sets in.
Our next station was at Gorgeny Szent Imri, in Szekler Land, amidst old forests of primeval oak of great extent, once the haunt of the wild aurochs, but now tenanted by long- horned tame white cattle, and by herds of wiry little horses, the property of the villagers. Description cannot do justice to these glorious old oak trees. It is not their height that is remarkable, but their great girth and their giant branches, knotted and twisted into every curious and fantastic shape. These grand old trees stand on a slightly marshy park -like pla- teau, a few feet above the level of the valley of Gorgeny, and are in some places from thirty to forty yards apart, giving to the forest the appearance of an old English park on a great scale. In many instances age and decay have been assisted in hollowing out the great gaunt stems by the axes of the wood- men when seeking fuel for their camp-fires. Thus great caverns are formed, large enough to give shelter to half a
192 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. ILirvie Brown on
dozen men in a storm. From the marshy nature of the ground, this forest of Gorgeny is called the Mocs iir (or swamp-) forest. We stayed at Gorgeny Szent Imri from the 22nd of May to the 30tli of May, finding a somewhat different fauna. Woodpeckers, Thrushes, and Blackbirds (which we had failed to observe in the Mezoseg), Stock-Doves, Jackdaws, and Starlings were numerous ; Hoopoes bred in the hollow trees in deserted Woodpeckers^ holes ; and Orioles, Lesser Grey Shrikes, and Red-backed Shrikes were as abundant as in the Mezoseg, Water birds were, of course, almost absent.
We proceeded to Fauczal, higher up the Gorgeny valley, on the 30th May, passing along the banks of a rushing moun- tain-river, down which huge rafts of pine wood are floated from the mountains. On both sides the hills rise steeply as the valley contracts, beech wood clothing their sides and sum- mits, with a few tall pines relieving the lighter foliage with their more sombre tints. At Fanczal and Ober-Fanczal (eight miles up a lateral valley from Fanczal) we remained till the 5th of June, not adding much to our collections, but forming some idea of the limited avifauna of the pine-region "^ and of the mossy summits of the mountains above the pines at an elevation of about 4000-4500 feet. In these localities we found the Crested and Marsh Titmice and the Ring- Ouzel not uncommon, the latter species frequenting the upper limit of the pine-woods ; and we heard the Great Black Wood- pecker and the Capercaillie. The Spotted Eagle w^as com- mon in the beech- and pine-clad valleys, and the Golden Eagle was occasionally recognized. Over the summit of the Fanczal Berg two Kestrels were seen hovering ; and there also we procured a good many specimens of the Water-Pipit. The Dipper frequented the streams ; and the Grey Wagtail became more abundant as we ascended the valleys. Shrikes, Orioles, Jackdaws, Stock-Doves, and Turtledoves, and by far the greater part of the previously observed fauna entirely disappeared, although Fanczal is not more than fifteen miles
* The trees forming tlie great biilk of the mountain-forests are Abies pectinafa and A. e.vcelsa. A fourth of the country is under wood. The largest pine exhibited at the Vienna exhibition was cut near Fanczal.
the Birds of Transylvania. 193
higher up the valley than Gorgeny. The Chaffinch and the Wren we found far up among the pines^ the former frequent- ing the uppermost limit of the pine-growth at nearly 4000 feet elevation. The Goshawk and the Sparrow-hawk were also noticed.
Virtually our collecting ceased with our last day's stay at Fanczal^ which, though merely a forest station for the ac- commodation of the ForstmeisterSj is a comfortable chalet- built house, beautifully situated at the junction of the Gor- geny and Fanczal valleys. From Fanczal we returned to Gorgeny Szent Imri, and proceeded to Maros-Vasarhely (which latter place we had made our headquarters during our excursions in the Mezoseg and Szekler Land), and shortly afterwards went on to Klausenburg. From Klausenburg we made several short and not very productive trips. Harvie Brown visited the salt-mines of Maros-Ujvar; and we paid a visit to Szent Mihaly, by the kind invitation of Count Albert V. Banffy. Here we procured a fine specimen of the Short- toed Eagle, the only one seen by us in the country.
We ought to have mentioned before that, previously to our visit to the Mezoseg, we spent a week at Hatzeg in the south- west of the country, and in the Klopotiva valley^, under the chamois-haunted Ketjezat, we obtained specimens of the Meadow-Bunting and Rock -Thrush. At Rea we had the pleasure of inspecting the rich collection of birds, fish, and minerals belonging to Herr Adiim v. Buda, in whose house we were hospitably entertained during the greater part of our stay in that neighbourhood. To Herr Buda we are also indebted for a full catalogue of the birds of his district and some notes thereon. Most of those have been procured by his brother, Herr Carl v. Buda, and himself near Hatzeg.
One word as to the mineral wealth of Transylvania. Per- haps no land in Europe, of its size, is so rich in metals, yield-
* This river, at diiFerent parts of its course, takes different names. Above the village of Klopotiva and in the mountains it is called Le- pusnik; at the entrance to the gorge, Klopotiva j and lower down, Sebes (or swift-flowing).
194 Messrs. C. G. Dauford and J. A. Ilarvic Brown on
ing gold, silver, tellurium, copper, lead, quicksilver, and iron ; the annual yield of the former is considerable. Iron is espe- cially abundant near Petroseny, in the south-west.
Having thus given a rough outline of our routes, and at- tempted to describe the more remarkable features of the country through which we passed, a word or two as regards its sporting-capabilities may not be out of place.
The fisherman need not look for any great amusement ; for though most of the mountain-rivers contain trout and grayling, they are generally rather small. Perhaps the best stream in the country is the Sebes (before mentioned), which flows from behind the Retjezat, and joins the Strell nearHatzeg: the trout are not bad, running sometimes to one or two pounds in weight; and the grayling-fishing is really good ; almost any number may be taken in autumn when weather and water are in good order. The Sil also, near Petroseny, is a fine-looking river, and used to be celebrated for its so-called " salmon-trout " {Salmo hucho) ; but these had quite disappeared when we saw it, having been blown up with dynamite, a method of fishing very commonly practised in the country, but now forbidden by law. Indeed fly-fishing is gaining ground, and English tackle is in great demand.
More use will be found for the gun than the rod; and if the sportsman will work for it, he will find that he can make fair and varied, though rarely large bags. Transyl- vania is probably the best country in Europe for bears; and notably the best districts are those of Gorgeny Szent Imri and Hatzeg. The first is, contrary to all precedent, preserved ; and the result is, that, being seldom distui'bed, the bears have increased greatly, and do serious damage to the live stock of the neighbourhood. The Ober-Forst- meister assured us that, on one occasion, seventeen were seen in a single drive, nine of them coming to one gun, and the whole of them escaping^. In all other districts the sport is free. A large force of beaters is necessary in most places ;
* In 1851 eighty-six bears were killed in Transylvania ; in 1853 sixty- five ; and in 1854 eiglity-six. ('Handbiich der Landeskunde Siebeu- biirgens.')
the Birds of Transylvania. 195
and these generally turn out (men, women, and children) by- order of the magistrate. Other small woods and ravines can be tried more quietly : a few Wallachs, who are up to their work, and three or four guns will do well enough. These Wallachs are by far the best sportsmen of the country, having the ways of the woods and game thoroughly by heart, and for the sake of the sport, and a little tobacco and schnaps, they will do any thing. We have never seen better perform- ances than their quickness and endurance in driving chamois, of which there are in some districts a good number. The Retjezat and some of the adjoining hills are also preserved by a club of sportsmen ; but outside their territory there is plenty of ground and a good show of chamois. The country is rocky, with here and there a good deal of creeping pine, but not difficult to get over. The views to be got looking down into Wallachia_, over an endless series of summits and ridges, are alone worth the trouble of going up. The sports- man should take a small tent with him ; or he will often be very cold, and always well bitten, the poor unsquared-log huts of the summer shepherds being full of wind-holes and fleas.
Wild boar do exist in the country, but are by no means numerous ; towards the south-west is about the best district to look for them. Wolves there are everywhere, but they are hardly ever to be seen except in winter"^. Lynx are getting rare, but are occasionally got in the south and north-east ; and rarer still is the marmot, a specimen of which a gentle- man told us he had shot in the Fogaras district five years ago ; they have also been got on the Retjezat, and on the Rodnaer and Szekler frontier mountains. Red deer are scarce ; the best district is the Rothenthurm pass and other parts border- ing on Wallachia. Roe deer are common enough; and it seems to us that they are very large. One may go a long way without seeing a hare ; its merits for the pot, for which it is in most places killed at all sizes and times, will account
* One young one, brought home by Danford, having been presented to him by Professor Encz, of Klausenburg, is now in the Zoological Gardens, Regfent's Park.
196 Messrs. C. G. Dauford and J. A. liarvie Brown on
for this. Other animals^ such as wild cat, fox, badger, otter, yellow- and white-breasted martens, and the smaller carni- vora are pretty numerous. The ibex and aurochs have long been extinct. Of the former we have not been able to learn much. Of the latter, Bieltz, in his ' Fauna der Wirbelthiere Siebenbiirgens ' (p. 35), says, on the authority of Benko, that some were seen in March 1775 in a wood at Fiile, in the dis- trict of Udvarhely — that, according to Fridvaldszky (' Mi- neralogia Magni Principatus Transsilvaniae,^ Claudiopoli A.S. MDCCLXVIIL, p. 6), they especially frequented the woods of Gyergyo, in the neighbourhood of a marsh ; and that Pe- tenyi says that the last killed in Transylvania was in the year 1814.
Feathered game is certainly not abundant. There are a good many Capercaillie in the quiet pine- woods pretty high up ; but they are only to be got at during the pairing-season. Hazel-Grouse, too, are common in the lower woods, but are not easily found, unless the call-system be adopted. Black game are scarcely worth mentioning, as far as sport is con- cerned ; they are so scarce, and in such out-of-the-way places. In the grain-districts one would expect to find a good many Partridges ; but this is not the case ; the coveys are few and far between — want of preservation, and the number of Hooded Crows and birds of j)rey, making life rather hard for them. Quails are numerous ; but the best sport to be got is the autumn Woodcock-shooting, particularly at Gorgeny and in the Haromseg, while for Snipe the salt marshes near Maros- Ujvar would be well worth trying. From what we saw of the Mezoseg, we should think that the winter Duck-shooting must be capital ; better ground one could not wish for than its numerous small lakes connected with reedy marshes ; and in the neighbourhood of Thorda there are always a few Bus- tards. On the whole we should say that luck and perseve- rance have a good deal to do with sport in Transylvania.
It now remains for us, before commencing the second part of our paper, to express om* obligations to the many kind friends for the frank and hospitable way in which we were everywhere received and our plans assisted. Especially are
tlie Birds of Trunsijlvania. 197
our tliauks clue to Professors Finaly and Encz, of the Klausen- burg University; to Baron Houzar Jjinos, of that town ; and Count BaufFy Bela^ of Szent Mihaly; and to HH. Buda Adam, and Carl, of Rea, near Hatzeg, and Herr Ugron, of Zah ; and to Herr Adalbert Fikker, k. k. Ober-Forstmeister at Gorgeny Szent Irari; also to our friend and fellow-tra- veller, Herr Klir Janos, the curator of the Klausenburg Mu- seum, wlio accompanied us on all our trips, and to whose valuable assistance, hearty cooperation, and good fellowship we owe much of the success and pleasure of our trip. Wo also received valuable information from Herr A. v. Pelzeln, of the k. k. Zoological Museum at Vienna.
We must not forget also our kind friends at home for much ready assistance given to us. Professor Newton has helped us to the names of several of the works we have consulted, and given us other useful aid. Messrs. E. R. Alston and H. E. Dresser looked over our collections and assisted us in difficulties of nomenclature &c. ; and Mr. J. E. Harting gave us useful information on several points of importance.
In the preparation of the following list of Transylvanian birds, we have, as far as possible, compared our own notes with the following : —
1. Buda, Herr Adam. M.S. Catalogue of and Notes on his Collection at R6a, near Hatzeg.
2. Baldamxjs, Dr. " Beitrage zur Naturgeschichte einiger dem S.O. Europa's angehorenden Vogel," Naumannia, 1851, pt. 1, p. 28, pt. 2, p. 70, pt. 4, p. 39, and 1852, pt. 2, p. 81.
3. BiEiiTZ, Herr A. E. ' Fauna der Wirbelthiere Siebenbiirgens.' 8vo : Ilermannstadt, 1856.
4. . " Beitrag zur Unterscheidung der rabenartigen Vogel." Ver-
bandlungen und Mittbeilungen dea Siebenbiirgiscber Vereins fiir Natur- wissenscbaft, IV. Jahrgang, p. 55. Hermannstadt.
5. CsATO, Herr Janos. " A Retjezat helyviszonyi ^s terin^szetrajzi tekintetben," Az Erdelyi Muzeum-Egylet Evkonyvei, IV. Kotet, II. Fiiset, p. 72*.
* " The Retjezat in its Local and Natural-History relations." In the annual publications of the Transylvanian Museum Society, vol. iv. pt. ii. p. 72.
SER. III. VOL. v. P
198 The Birds of Transylvania.
6. CsXto, IleiT Janos. " A Strigy menteneks mellekvolgyeinek ternies- zetrajzi leirasa "*, Az Erd%i Muz. Egy. ilv. VI. Kotet, II. Fiizet, p. 104.
7. . " Sylvia lusciuioides," Verhandl. & Mitthoil. des Siebenb.
Vereins fiir Naturw. XIV. Jahrgang, p. 145. Ilermannstadt.
8. FiNGEU, Ilerr Julius. ' Fauna Austriaca Omithologica — Verzeicli- niss der Vogel des ostei-reichischen Kaiserstadtes.' Wien, 1857.
9. Hausmann, Hen- Wilhelm. " Turdus saxatilis," Verb. & Mitth. des Siebenb. Vereins fiir Naturw. XVI. Jahrgang, p. 107-118.
10. . " Vogelvarietaten aus Siebenbiirgen/' Verb. & Mittb. des
Siebenb. Vereins fiir Naturw. XX. Jabrgang, p. 3.
11. Klausenburg Museum, MS. List of the Birds in.
12. Lazar, Count Kalman. " A madarakrol kiiloncis tekintettel az Erdelyben bonos fajokra"t, Az Erdelyi Muz. Egylet £v. I. Kotet, II. Fiizet, GO. 1860.
13. . "Aquila pennata es Aquila minuta," ib. I. Kotet, III.
Fiizet, 153.
14. . " Erdi^lyi madai'ainak Jegyzeke — Enumeratio avium Trans-
sylvanicarum."
15. . " Kurtze Beitrage zur Ornithologie Siebenbiirgens," Verb.
& Mittb. des Siebenb. Vereins fiir Naturw. X. Jabrgang.
16. Ott6, Herr Hermann. "Falco subbuteo, Liune.," Erd. Muz. E. tv. III. Kotet, II. Fiizet, p. 84.
17. . " Allattani Kozl^sek "J,
Erd. Muz. E. ty. III. K. II. 87. 1866. „ IV. „ I. 48. 1867.
„ V. „ I. 30. 1869.
„ V. „ II. 92. 1870.
18. . " A Mezos^g I. — A Hodos vagy Szarvasto ^s Kornyeke"§,
Erd. Muz. E. Ev. V. K. I. 8.
19. . <'A Mezoseg II. — A Mezo-Zah-Tobati, tovabba, Mebesi,
Baldi es Mezo-Salyi t6zorozat"||, Erd. Muz. E. tv. VI. K. I. 42.
20. . " Erismatura leucocepbala, L. — A Magyar ornisban," Az
* " A Natural-History description of tbe Valley of the Strell and its adjacent Valleys."
t " On birds, with especial reference to tbe species breeding in Tran- sylvania."
X "Zoological Communications." In Ann. Pub. Trans. Mus. Soc.
§ " Tbe Mezoseg I. — The lake of Hodos (Beaver), or Szarvas (Stag), and its immediate neighbourhood."
II " The Mez6st5g II. — Tlie lake-chain of Mezo-Zah-Tohat, and, further, of Melies {i. e. abounding in bees), Bald, and Mezo-Saly.
On the Nidification of certain Indian Birds. 199
Eggenbergei'-fele Akad. Koiiyvkereskedes, Hoffiuann ds Moluar. 1873. We have not been able to consult this paper.
21. Pelzrln, Herr A. von. "Beitrag zur ornith. Fauna der osterr.- uugar. Monarchic," Verb, der k. k. zool.-botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien, 1871.
22. Stetter, Herr. (Various species noticed.) Verb. & Mitth. des Siebeub. Vereins fiir Naturw. XV. Jahrgang, p. 235.
23. TscHUSi-ScHMiBHOFEN, Victor Hitter von. " Nucifraga Caryo- catactes." A monograph.
Besides the above, there is a paper on the birds of the Theiss and Lower Danube, by Zelebor, which may be con- sulted, though it has not much bearing on Transylvania, along with Herr A. v. Pelzeln's remarks upon the same in ' Journal fiir Ornithologie,' 1864 {cf. Ibis, 1865, pp. 225, 226) .
The Hungarian names (printed in italics) which we give are extracted from Bieltz and from various other sources. We have endeavoured to translate these, except where they are equivalent to the English, or are proper names, having no particular interpretation. As in other countries, the names undergo many variations in different parts of Hungary.
All the species observed by us during our present trip, or ])y Danford on his previous visit in the autumn of 1872, are indicated by an asterisk in the following list. [To be continued.]
XII. — On the Nidification of certain Indian Birds. — Part IV."^ By Andrew Anderson, F.Z.S.
Aquila hastata.
I should premise by stating that my excursion into the Saharunpore district, entailing a journey of over 700 miles, to and fro, with the thermometer standing at 117° in the shade (168° in the sun), was undertaken for the express pur- pose of securing nestling-birds, and not for the sake of be- coming possessed of eggs, of which latter I might have be- come the happy owner of no less than seven specimens. As
* For Fart III. see Ibis, 18/4, p. 220.
p 2
200 Mr. A. Anderson on the
the acquisition of the young birds has, at last, enabled me to supply the missing link in the history of this interesting Eagle*, my first disappointment has been fully compensated for by the filling of a blank in my egg-cabinet.
I need not infiict upon my readers the details of my journey, nor recount the hardships and discomforts which befell me while engaged in the " cause of science." Suffice it to say that after uninterruj)ted travelling of all sorts for forty hours (carriage, mail-cart, and rail), I arrived at Saharunpore at midnight of the 29th June, 1873. My collectors, including a lad to climb, a skinner, &c., under the command of Ungun (who had the year before enriched Mr. Brooks^s collection with eggs of A. navia and A. hastata from the same locality), had preceded me by a fortnight, with a supply of ready-ad- dressed and stamped envelopes; so that my '' daily reports " were received with the regularity so becoming to an Indian official.
I take the present opportunity of tendering my thanks to Mr. Kennedy, Joint Magistrate of Saharunpore, for his kind- ness in allowing my pioneers to make use of his premises as a base of operations, and for keeping me informed, from time to time, of what progress they made ; for our Aryan brethren require to be well sat upon, even under the most advantageous circumstances.
From the train (it was 2 a.m. before I despatched a light breakfast and put together some necessaries for the road) 1, accompanied by my attendants, who met me at the railway station, stepped into a carriage which had been engaged for the purpose, and made straight for the Jumna Canal ; for our road lay along the canal-banks (up and down) for another foi*ty miles. A three hours' drive brought us to the first nestf, in which, according to my reports, the youngster could
* A description of the plumage of the young birds, which have now moulted, will appear in the ' Proceedings ' of the Zoological Society.
t The seven nests which had been discovered contained each only one Q^^. Two of these had been robbed ; and in two the squabs had died from the extreme heat. It was the hottest season on record ; and the " rains," which generally burst on the 18th of June, were already a fortnight overdue.
Nidification of certain Indian Birds. 201
uot have been more than ten days old. We alighted half a mile before the tree was reached, as Ungiin declared that the parent birds had become extremely wary, owing to his frequent inspections, and that, if we wanted to catch either of them at home, the utmost caution was necessary. A few minutes^ walk under cover of the avenue of trees which grow so luxuriantly along the water^s edge, enabled us to descry one of the parent birds at an immense height in the air, making gyrations on almost motionless wings over the tree on which the nest was built.
Now, as A. ncEvia and A. hast at a had both been known to breed in this very locality in former years, identification was a matter of the utmost importance^; so after having a look at the young bird, which was carefully deposited in the nest again pro tem., and leaving one of our party to act as guardian, and to cook for the others, we drove on to nest No. 2, which was on the opposite bank of the canal.
Here, again, Ave were equally unfortunate, as both the parent birds were circling overhead, now and again making wide gyrations, and quartering the jungle Harrier-fashion, apparently in search of food. Arrived under the tree, we found our young friend standing bolt upright in the nest, peering down upon us unwelcome visitors in the most comical manner. It was now nearly midday ; and the heat was so terrific that I could hardly touch the barrels of my gun, and the furnace blast which was fast rising would soon preclude the possibility of my doing any thing further till the after- noon.
After remaining concealed (as best I could) for a consi- derable length of time, during which period the Eaglet called lustily for food, and was frequently responded to by the parent birds, one of my scouts gave the alarm, which put me on the alert. Almost simultaneously with the warning I saw one of the parent birds swoop into the nest from the opposite
* I should mention that my men had not met with a single Spotted Eagle on this occasion. Not only had the largest trees in this neighbour- hood been cut down, but the country was sufficiently parched to drive the marsh-loving A. ncpvia into more genial regions.
202 Mr. A. Anderson on the
side of the tree, with what appeared to me a small snake in its talons. To transfer the quarry from the drooping feet into its heak, drop it into the gaping mouth of its offspring, and to take a header, with closed wings, out of the nest (for- tunately on my side), was the work of a moment ; and a very beautiful sight it was. A lucky snap-shot, and I was actually guilty of the double crime of murder as well as robbery. The old bird proved to be a female on dissection ; she was devoid of any spots or markings, and accords exactly with the de- scription of the fully adult bird given at page G22, P. Z. S. for 1872.
The little downy creature, not more than fifteen days old, according to my data, was safely let down in a wicker basket, and looked so delicate that I was apprehensive of being able to rear it. Imagine my surprise on finding a five-inch tail of a lizard (which I had taken for a snake) dangling out of one side of its mouth ! The head and body of this dainty morsel were no further than the throat, so that by gently pulling it out, I was able to identify it as Calotis versicolor. While waiting for a shot, I observed that the little inmate of the nest was particularly clean in its habits, and used to eject its faces right over the side of the nest.
We now retraced our footsteps to the first nest, every now and again watching the gradual disappearance of the lizard's tail. In a quarter of an hour the little creature again com- menced yelping for food, and began to peck at my fingers ; but the country was so dreadfully dried up that no reptilian, not even a frog, was procurable. I therefore shot a Dove, which, to my delight, was devoured as quickly as it could be cut up.
By 4 P.M. I was in possession of the squab belonging to the first nest above alluded to ; and these two gave me incessant work for the remainder of the day. Before evening they had demolished three Doves and two Minas, and they were quite game to eat by candle-light as well.
The following morning I was far from fit for any fur- ther exposure to the sun, as the frequent yelping of the Eaglets, which I was obliged to keep in an open basket at my bed-
Nidification of certain Indian Birds. .Jyj\j
side, coupled with the heat, did not suffer me to have much rest. The taking of the third nest therefore devolved on Ungun ; and it was with no little pleasure that I welcomed him back by nightfall with the third youngster, along with one of the parent birds. This one, too, proved to be a female, and was fully adult, without the slightest indication of spots, either on the wings or head, or any striation on the under- parts. The plumage was a good deal faded and worn, espe- cially the tail-feathers and primaries ; the tibial plumes were incrusted with dry mud, caused, no doubt, by its hunting for reptile food in moist ground.
I cannot say much for the architectural skill of this Eagle. The nests I examined, as regards size and appearance, were very similar to those that are built by the common Kite ; they differed in one material point, viz. that they were placed near the top of the tree, so as to command a good view of the country. All seven were built on good-sized (but not the largest) Sisso trees [Dalhergia sisso) , and in every instance on the banks of the canal, adjacent to which, in ordinary sea- sons, there are pools of water and small marshes such as Aquila naevia and A. hastata delight in. My first nest was actually built on a tree overlooking the roadway, ov puttree, on the edge of which the inhabitants of a small village were in the habit of bathing.
A curious feature in the nidification of this Eagle yet re- mains to be recorded, viz. that it lays a single egg. This is not only the result of my own investigation, but Mr. Brooks's collectors, who procured several eggs the previous season, bear me out in the conclusion I have arrived at. Captain Marshall, too, who was stationed for some time at Saharun- pore, informs me that one egg is the normal number.
My retm-n trip had now to be arranged ; and, as bad luck would have it, I was doomed to travel by rail during the day. Leaving Saharunpore by the midday train of the 1st July, with the flesh of six chickens packed in ice, I reached She- koabad on the forenoon of the following day. For the re- mainder of the journey (another eighty miles) I was fortu- nately my own master, and could stop my travelling carriage
204 Mr. V. L. Sclatcr's F-'ijnopsis of Uie
for the purpose of shooting small birds as often as was neces- sary. But it is strange that I have never once succeeded in prevailing on these Eagles (and two of them are now sixteen months old*) to partake of reptile food in any form whatever. This doubtless may be accounted for by my " blooding " them with such dainty morsels when first fed by the hand, in the same way as man-eating tigers and crocodiles are said to ac- quire a decided penchant for the flesh of the human form divine when once partaken of.
XIII, — Synopsis of the Species of the Subfamily Diglossinse. By P. L. ScLATER, M.A., F.R.S.
(Plates lY., V.)
The genus Diglossa was instituted by Wagler in 1832 for the reception of a little bird of which specimens had been obtained in Mexico by Dr. Petz and deposited in the Museum of Wiirtzburg. Wagler referred the bird, somewhat doubt- fully, to his Order " Corvi," and gave an accurate diagnosis of both sexes. He called it very appropriately Diglossa, from its divided tongue, and baritula, from the peculiar hook of the upper mandible, which reminded him of the genus Barita.
In 1838 Prince Charles Bonaparte described the same bird in the ' Nuovi Annali delle Scienze Naturali/ published at Bologna, and, not being aware of Wagler's prior designation, proposed to call it Agrilorhinus sittaceus. The term Agri- lorhinus (which has been variously written by subsequent authors) Avas probably intended to have been Ancylorhinus {dyKuXot; and p/?). Prince Bonaparte's types were specimens collected by Signor F. Sirletto in Mexico, and were believed to have been destined for the Museum of Florence. I do not know whether they were ever placed in that institution.
* One of the three I made into a specimen immediately it was fully pluraaged, in order to demonstrate what the nestling bird is like ; the second has just completed its moult, and I gi-ieve to think that a similar fate awaits it ; the third I should like to see placed in the Zoological Gardens.
Species of the Subfamily Diglossince. 205
In tlie same year the second part of the synopsis of the birds collected by D'Orbigny in South America, prepared by himself and Lafresnaye, was published in the ' Magazin de Zoologie/ D'Orbigny had obtained two species of this same genus of birds in the Andes of Bolivia ; and the generic term Serrirostrum (from the slight serrations on the edges of the mandibles) was now proposed for them. In 1839 Lafresnaye, while again describing Diglossa baritula under a different name, proposed to change the generic term Serrirostrum into Uncirostrum. Three years later Dr. Hartlaub"^ showed that these various names were identical, and established the pri- ority of Diglossa, which has since been generally accepted.
In 1837, or thereabouts, as is stated to me in a kind com- munication received from Dr. Cabanis, Lichtenstein was in- tending to designate this genus " Campylops." But this term was suppressed, and never actually published until 1851, when it was referred to as a synonym of Diglossa in the ' Museum Heineanum.^
In 1846 Lafresnaye gave a list of the eleven species of Diglossa known to him in the 'Revue Zoologique" (p. 317 et seqq.).
In 1864 the late Mr. Cassin gave an account of the species of this genus represented in the Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia t, and very needlessly pro- posed subgeneric titles for the diff'erent divisions into which he separated the group.
About the beginning of 1840, when birds^ skins first began to be received from Bogota, Mr. Fraser, in this country, and the Baron de Lafresnaye, in France, described several new species of Diglossa from this district at nearly the same date. Since then a few others have been discovered in various parts of the range of the Andes (one of which, D. plumbea, occurs north of Panama), and a single species has been found in the mountain-range of British Guiana. Altogether we are now acquainted with fifteen well-marked species of this genus.
Of the closely allied form Diglossopis, which was first de-
* Rev. Zool. 1842, p. oG.
t Pr. Acad. Sc. Phil. 1864, p. 273.
206 Mr. P. L. Sclatcr's Synopsis of the
scribed by tlie writer in 1850^ only a single species is known. I believe this bird is frequently passed over as the female or young of D. personata; but a careful examination soon shows the difference.
These two genera together constitute a very well-marked section of the purely Neotropical family Ccerebidae, charac- terized by their hooked upper mandible. Lafresnaye pointed out this as their natural place in the series many years ago*; and it is surprising that some authors f should have thought of annexing them to the Dendrocolaptidae^ with which they have really no sort of connexion.
The two genera of Diglossiuse may be separated as fol- lows : —
Rostro crassiore, gonyde ascendente 1. Diglossa.
llostro tenuiore, elongatiore, gonyde recto 2. Dit/lossojns.
I now proceed to give an account of the species of these two genera known to me^ based mainly on the study of the series in my own collection and that of Messrs. Salvin and Godman. I have likewise cursorily examined the specimens in the British Museum.
Genus I. Diglossa.
Diglossa, Wagler, Isis, 1832_, p. 280 : type D. baritula.
"Campylops, Licht. MS.," Cab. Mus. Hein. i. p. 96: type D. baritula.
Uncirostrum, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1839^ p. 100 : type D. car- honaria.
Agrilorhinus, Bp. Nuovi Ann. Sc. Nat. i. p. 408 (1838) : type D. haritula.
Serrirostrum, Lafr, et d'Orb. Syn. Av. ii. p. 25 (1838) : type D. carbonaria.
Tephrodiglossa, Cassin, Pr. Ac. Phil. 1864, p. 273 : type T>. carbonaria.
Pyrrhodiglossa, ej. ibid. : type D. mystacalis.
('yanodlglossa, ej. ibid. : type D. jjersonata.
Melanodiglossa, cj. ibid. : type D. lafresnayi.
* Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 100, et 1840, p. 319.
t E. (/.{}. \l. Gray in his ' List of Genera of Birds ' (ed. 2), p. 23 et alibi.
Species of the Subfamily Diglossinse. 207
The fifteen species of this genus may be divided as fol- lows : —
Sect. I. DlGLOSS^ RUFO-PICT^.
a. abdomine rufo, crisso concolori.
gula plumbea 1 . haritula.
gula concolori rufa 2. sittoides.
gula oinnino nigra 3. yloriosa.
giila med. nigra, utrinque rufa 4. brtmneiventris.
h. abdomine nigro, crisso rufo.
torque pectorali rufo : niystacibus albis 5. j^sctoralis.
torque nuUo, niystacibus rufis 0. mystacalis.
c. abdomine cinereo, crisso rufo.
pectore nigro 7. carhunaria,
pectore et ventre concoloribus 8. majoi\
Sect. II. DlGLOSS^ HOMOCHRO^.
d. supra subtusque nigroe.
campterio cterulescente 9. lafresnaiji.
campterio cano 10. IvumeraUs.
campterio nigro II. aterrima.
campterio albo 12. alhilatendis.
e. supra subtusque plumbea 13. plumbea.
f. supra subtusque cperulese
facie nigra 14. personata.
facie concolori 15. indigotica,
1, DiGLOSSA BARITULA.
Diglossa haritula, Wagl. Isis, 1832, p. 281 ; Hahn, Orn. Atl. xii. tab. 1 et 2; Hartl. Rev. Zool. 1842, p. 56; Gray, Gen. B. pi. 42; Bp. Consp. p. 401 ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 286, et 1864, p. 173, et Cat. A. B. p. 48; Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 97; Sclater et Salvin, Ibis, 1859, p. 14; Reich. Handb. p. 233, t. dliv. f. 3762, 3763 ; Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil. 1864, p. 273 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 15.
Campylops hamulus, Licht. MS.
Uncirostrum brelayi, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 100.
Uncirostrum sittaceum, Lafr. ib. p. 292.
Anchilorhinus sittaceus, Bp. Nuov. Ann. Sc. Nat. Bologna, i. p. 408 (1838).
Supra plumbea, capite alis et cauda obscurioribus : subtus ferrugiuea : gula plumbeii : subalaribus ferrugineis, re-
208 Mr. P. L. Sclatcr's Sijoopsh of the
migum raarginibus internis albicantibus : rostro ob- scnro^ mandibubl infcriore carnea, pedibus corylinis : long, tota 4 5, alee 2 4, caudal 1'9. Fern, flavicauti- olivacca, alis caudaquc fuscis olivaceo limbatis : subtus fuscescenti-ocliracea, ventre medio dilutiore. Hab. S. Mexico and Guatemala. Mus. P. L. S. et S.-G.
As already shown above, this most northern representative of the Diglossce was first described by Wagler, next by Bona- parte, and then by Lafresnaye, under different generic and specific names. Dr. Hartlaub was the first to recognize the identity of these synonyms. Figures of both sexes are given by Halm in his Ornithological Atlas and by Reichenbach in his Coloured Plates of Birds.
The range of D. baritula extends over Southern Mexico and Guatemala, but not further south. It is met with in most Mexican collections from the interior, but does not ap- pear to be found in the lower forests of the sea-coast. Salle obtained it near Cordova, De Oca near Jaiapa. Sumichrast, in his memoir on the distribution of the birds of Vera Cruz ^, refers this species to the " Alpine Region,^'' and says : —
" I consider the alpine region as the real centre of propa- gation of this bird. I have there found it at the height even of 3000 metres. It is not very rare in the more elevated parts of the canton of Orizaba. Its general habits and its manner of feeding are analogous to those of the Trochilidae. It is known by the common names of Mielero, or Honey-eater, and Pico-chueco, or Distorted-beak.^'
In Guatemala, Mr. Salvin tells me, this bird is found on all the mountains ranging above 6000 feet. He obtained it himself in Vera Paz and on the slopes of the Volcan de Fuego. It frequents bushes and the edges of the forests. It is very restless in its movements amongst the branches in search of food, and goes either singly or in small families.
2. DiGLOSSA SITTOIDES.
Serrirostrum sittoides, Lafr. et D'Orb. Syn. Av. ii. p. 25 ; D'Orb. Voy. Ois. p. 374, t. 58. fig. 2.
* Mem. Roslon Soc. N. H. i. p. 542 (1860).
Species of the Subfamily Diglossinee. 209
Difflossa sitioides, Bridges^ P. Z. S. 1847, p. 29 j Reich. Handb. p. 233, t. dliv. f. 3766] Cassin, Pr. Acad. Phil. 1864, p. 273 ; Scl. et. Salv. Nomencl. p. 15 ; Tacz. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 511.
Diglossa similis, Lafr. Rev. Zooh 1846, p. 318; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1855, p. 138, et 1868, p. 170, et Cat. A. B. p. 48 ; Bp. Consp. p. 401 ; Reich. Handb. p. 233, t. dliv. f. 3764; Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil. 1864, p. 273; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 15.
Diglossa hyperythra, Cab. Mus. Hein. i. p. 97. (1850) (ex Venezuela) .
Uncirostrum d'orbignii, Boiss. Rev. Zool. 1840, p. 5. Diglossa d'orbignyi, Reich. Handb. p. 233. Supr^ plumbea, fronte et lateribus capitis paulo obscurioribus, alis et Cauda intus nigricantibus, plumbeo anguste mar- ginatis : subtiis omnino saturate ochracea unicolor : ros- tro corneo, mandibula inferiore albicante : pedibus flavi- dis : long, tota 4*4, alae 2"25, caudse 1*8. Fem. olivacea, alis caudaque fuscis olivaceo limbatis, illarum fascia ob- solete ochracea : subtus fuscescenti- ochracea. Hab. Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Mus. P.L. S. et S.-a.
D. sittoides was one of the two species of this genus ob- tained by D'Orbigny in Bolivia, and first described by him and Lafresnaye in 1838. D^Orbigny collected specimens at various points on the Eastern Cordillera of that country, at Chupe, in the province of Yungas, and near the cities of Chu- quisaca and Valle Grande. Bridges met with it also in Bo- livia, at altitudes of from 8000 to 10,000 feet in the province of Cochabamba.
In 1848 Lafresnaye founded a second species of Diglossa upon Bogota skins, to which he gave the very appropriate name of D. similis, from its striking resemblance to the Bo- livian D. sittoides. Lafresnaye states various minute points of difference between the two forms ; but upon comparison of the series now before me (consisting of nine individuals from different localities), I find that none of these points holds good. Besides that, we have since discovered that this species occurs not only in Columbia and Bolivia, but also in the interme- diate countries of Ecuador and Peru, and likewise extends
210 Mr. P. L. Sclater's Synopsis of the
into Venezuela. Several skins from the vicinity of Quito are in Salvin and Godman's collection. Jelski obtained spe- cimens in the Junin district of Central Peru ; and Goering has sent us skins from the neighbourhood of Caracas, in Vene- zuela. Upon comparing these with a Bolivian example in my collection, which was obtained by Mr. David Forbes, F.ll.S., at Chichalula, in the province of Yungas, in June 1861, 1 can find no differences worthy of record. In Bogota skins there is certainly a rather darker hue on the front and sides of the head, and the dimensions are perhaps slightly inferior; but regarding the series as a whole, I see no grounds whatever for specific separation.
Mr. Cassin {l.s.c), though he does not actually unite D. sittoides and D. similis, seems to have been of the same opinion.
3. DiGLOSSA GLORIOSA.
Diglossa gloriosa, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1870, p. 784, pi. 46, fig. 1, et Nomencl. p. 15.
Nigra, uropygio in cinereum trahente, abdomine medio cas- taneo : tectricibus alarum minoribus et superciliis indi- stinctis ceerulescenti-canis : rostro uigro, pedibus corneis : long, tota 5 "2, alee 2*5, caudse 2"2.
Hab. Andes of Merida, Venezuela.
Mus, P. L. S. et S.-G.
On his first expedition to Merida Mr. Goering obtained a single male specimen of this distinct Diglossa on the Paramo of La Culata.
During his second expedition to Merida, in 1873, Mr. Goering procured further examples of this species, like the former, of the male sex. The female is still unknown ; and no other collector seems to have obtained the bird at all.
The nearest ally of D. gloriosa is the next species, from which, however, it is at once distinguishable by its wholly black throat, chest, and flanks, only the middle of the belly and crissum being of a dark chestnut brown.
Mr. Goering notes the iris of this species as '' dai"k brown.^'
Species of the Subfamily Diglossinae. 211
4. DiGLOSSA BllUNNElVENTRIS.
Diglossa brmmeiveniris, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 18 i6, p. 318 ; Des Murs, Icon. Orn. pi. 43 ; Cassin, Pr. Acad. Phil. 1864, p. 274 ; Reich. Handb. p. 232, t. dliv. f. 3765 ; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1867, p. 984, et Nomencl. p. 15 ; Tacz. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 511.
Siij)rh, nigra, scapularibus et uropygio cineraceis : subtus sa- turate rufa, gula media nigra, utrinque rufo limbata : lateribus et subalaribus cinereis : tibiis nigris : rostro et pedibus nigris : long, tota 5*5, alee 2'8, caudse 2*5. Fern. fusco-cinerea, dorso substriato, tectricum alarum mar- ginibus pallidis : subtus pallide ochraceo-fusca, gutture cinereo ; pectore nigricante striate.
Hab. Andes of Peru.
Mus. P. L. S. et S.-G.
This Difflossa was first described by Lafresnaye in 1846, under a name given to it by Des Murs, who shortly afterwards figured it in his ' Iconographie Ornithologique.^ Des Murs corrects Lafresnaye in assigning " Peru '' as its locality, and states that he received his specimens from Gay, who brought them from Chili. But here, no doubt, Des Murs was mis- taken. Chili, so far as we know up to the present time, is beyond the range of Diglossa, and it is much more likely- that Gay's examples were procured in Peru.
Mr. Whitely obtained specimens of D. brunneiventris (from which my description has been taken) first at Chihuata, be- tween Islay and Arequipa, at an elevation of 9000 feet, and afterwards at Tinta and Paucartambo, in the Andes of Cuzco. Jelski collected many examples in the more northern part of the republic, in the district of Tarma. The series of six skins from these localities now before me shows considerable vari- ation in size, the wing measuring 2"8 inches in some, and 2*5 only in others. The tint of the chestnut-red of the lower surface also varies in intensity.
The specimen described as the female of this species is one of Mr. Whitely^s skins, procured at Paucartambo in February 1873. It is right to mention that one of M. Jelski's skins, marked as of this sex, is in nearly the same plumage as the
212 Mr. P. L. Sclater's Synopsis of the
male, but duller in colours. I suspect, however, that the latter is really a young male.
5. DiGLOSSA PECTORALIS. (Platc IV.)
Diglossa pectoralis, Cab. Journ. f. O. 1873, p. 318; Tacz. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 511.
Nigi'a, uropygio et scapularibus cineracescentibus : raystacibus et plaga quadrata pectoris lacteo-albis, hujus limbo su- periore et crisso saturate rufis ; rostro et pedibus nigris : long, tota 4' 75, alae 2'9, caudse 2"4.
Hab. Andes of Peru.
Mus. Varsoviano.
This is a recent discovery of the Polish naturalist Jelski in the interesting part of Peru which he has lately explored — the vicinity of Tarma and Junin. M. Jelski obtained several specimens at Maraynioc in this district, but does not appear to have distinguished the species from D. brunneiventris . The figure is taken from one of these examples (belonging to the Museum of Warsaw), which M. Taczanowski has kindly sent me for examination.
6. Diglossa mystacalis.
Diglossa mystacalis, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1846, p. 318 ; Bridges, P.Z. S. 1847, p. 29; Cassin, Pr. Acad. Phil. 1864, p. 274; Reich. Handb. p. 232, t. dlii. f. 3756; Bp. Consp. p. 401.
Diglossa mystacea, Gray & Mitch. Gen. of Birds, t. 42 (head) .
Nigra unicolor, campterio cano, subalaribus albis ; mystacibus latis et crisso saturate rufis : long, tota 6*0, alse 2"8, caudae 2'2.
Hab. Andes of Bolivia.
Mus. Brit.
For the discovery of this fine Diglossa we are indebted to the researches of Mr, Bridges, who obtained examples about the year 1844, during his travels in the province of La Paz. It was from one of these specimens, as it seems, that Lafresnaj'c described the species. Mr. Bridges subsequently published the following notes on the species : —
" Lives entirely in the thickets, hopping from bough to
Ibis, 1875. Pl.lV.
J . Smit. hth
M&N.Hanhaii.!
DIGLOSSA PECTORALIS
K^'^^L HISTO^
^'''rrirr^ri
Species of the Subfamily Diglossinae, 213
bough, as if in pursuit of insects. I have often seen this species insert its bill into a scarlet and purple flower allied to the Arbutus ; but whether for the purpose of capturing insects or of extracting honey I was not able to ascertain. Its habitat is the Yungas of La Paz.
" I believe that the specimen described by M. le Baron de Lafresnaye was from my collection.^'
I am not aware that any other traveller but Mr. Bridges has procured examples of this scarce species. My characters are taken from two specimens of his in the British Mu- seum. Mr. Ey ton's collection contains a skin from the same source. M. de Lafresnaye's type is now in the Museum of the Natural- History Society at Boston, U. S. A., where Mr. Salvin has examined it.
7. DiGLOSSA CARBONARIA.
Serrirostrum carbonarium, Lafr. et D'Orb. Syn, Av. ii. p. 25 ; D'Orb. Voy. Ois. p. 373, t. Iviii. fig. 1.
Diglossa carbonaria, Bridges, P. Z. S. 1847, p. 29; Scl. et
Salv. Nomencl. p. 15 j Cassin, Pr. Ac. Phil. 1864, p. 273 ;
Reich. Handb. p. 232, t. dhi. f. 3755, et t. dHii. f. 3760, 3761.
Nigra : tectricibus alarum minoribus, uropygio, subalaribus et
ventre toto canescenti-plumbeis, crisso rubro : rostro
nigro, pedibus carneis : long, tola 5*2, alae 2*7, caudae 2*0.
Hab. Andes of Bolivia.
Mus. P. L. S.
This species of Diglossa was discovered by D'Orbigny. He collected specimens at several localities on the eastern slope of the Bolivian Cordillera, at Cajapi in the province of Yungas, at Inquisivi in the province of Sicasica, and at Palca in the province of Ayupaya. Bridges, during his travels in Bolivia, likewise obtained examples of it at several places in Cochabamba, at altitudes of from eight to ten thousand feet.
Bridges gives us the following notes on this species and D. sittoides : —
" Birds of this genus are found in the temperate region, where the thickets commence, at an altitude of from 8000 to 10,000 feet. I found these species among bushes of Salvia and Eupatorium, on the slopes which fall into the valley of
SER. III. — VOL. V. Q
214 Mr. P. L. Sclater's Synopsis of the
Cochabamba, and most abundantly at a place called Ticque- paya. They have precisely the habits of Flycatchers. D. carbonaria I have watched often sitting motionless on the highest twig of a bush until he discovered a passing insect, on which he descended, and then returned to his post. I may mention that the vicinity of Cochabamba was the only dis- trict in which these two species occurred to me."
I have never seen the female of this species ; but Reichen- bach describes it from an example in the Dresden Museum as " above olive-grey brown, and below greyish white fringed with yellowish." The question, however, is whether the bird thus described is not the female of D. sittoides, which occurs in the same country.
8. DiGLOSSA MAJOR.
Diglossa major, Cab. in Schomb. Guian. iii. p. 676, et Mus. Hein. i. p. 98; Reich. Handb. d. Sp. Orn. p. 230, t. dli.d, f. 4065 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomeucl. p. 15.
Supra nigra, lineis in plumarum scapis et remigum rectri- cumque marginibus obscure cseruleis : capitis lateribus uigris ; subtiis dorso concolor sed dilutior : alarum mar- ginibus intemis canis ; crisso rubro : rostro plumbeo, pe- dibus corneis : long, tota 6*7, alee 3'4, caudse 3"2, rostri a rictu "95. Hub. Roraima Mountains, British Guiana, alt. 6000 feet. [Schomb.). Mus. Berol. et P. L. S.
This, the largest and strongest of all the known species of Diglossa, has, so far as I am aware, never been obtained ex- cept by Schomburgk. The single specimen in my own col- lection was received from the Berlin Museum in exchange.
9. Diglossa lafresnayi.
Uncirostrum lafresnayi, Boiss. Rev. Zool. 1840, p. 4.
Diglossa lafresnayii, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1855, p. 138, et Cat. A. B. p. 49 ; Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 97 ; Bp. Consp. p. 401 ; Reich. Handb. p. 231, t. dliii. f. 3757; Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil. 1864, p. 274; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 15.
Agrilorhinus bonapartii. Eraser, P. Z. S. 1840, p. 22.
Diglossa intermedia. Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 97 ; Reich. Handb. n. 231 (?).
Species of the Subfamily Diglossinse, 215
Atra unicolor : tectricibus alarum minoribus cserulescenti- canis, subalaribus partim cinereis : long, tota 5-8, alae 3"0, caudae 2*5, rostri a rictu 0*75.
Hab. Columbia and Ecuador.
Mus. P. L. S. et S.-G.
10. Dl.GLOSSA HUMERALIS.
Agi'ilorhinus humeralis, Fraser, P. Z. S. 1840^ p. 22.
Diglossa humeralis, Cab. Mus, Hein. p. 27 (note) ; Reich. Handb. p. 231, t. dlii. f. 3754 ; Cassin, Pr. Ac. Phil. p. 275 ; Wyatt, Ibis, 1871, p. 324 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 15 ; Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 49.
Nigra, uropygio cineraceo : tectricibus alarum minoribus canis : subalaribus nigris : long, tota 5 '7, alae 2' 7, caudse 2-4.
Hab. Columbia and Ecuador.
Mus. P. L. S. et S.-G.
After much deliberation I had almost come to the conclusion that the only reasonable plan was to unite the species com- monly called D. lafresnayi and D. humeralis under one name. They occur in the same countries, and are usually stated to differ only in size — a very uncertain character in this genus. Moreover, as will be seen by the subjoined table of measure- ments, there is really not much difference in this respect when a series is examined. But there are certainly to be recognized the slight differences pointed out in the diagnosis, viz. that in D. lafresnayi the bend of the wing is of a much brighter bluish tinge, the rump is quite black, like the back, and the under wing-coverts are more or less ashy. I propose, therefore, for the present to leave the two so-called species apart, though it is quite possible D. humeralis may be the female.
Mr. Wyatt obtained D. humeralis at a height of 9000 feet in the Andes of Ocana. It is also common in " Bogota " and " Quito " collections.
The subjoined Table gives the dimensions of ten skins of these two birds in my own collection and that of Messrs. Salvin and Godraan.
q2
216 Mr. P. L. Sclater's Synopsis of the
Diylosm lafrcsnayi.
Mu9. Patria. Long. tola. L. alae. L. caudee.
P. L. S. Columbia 5-8 3-0 2-45
P. L. S. Columbia 6-5 2'8 2-5
S.-G. Columbia 6-5 3-0 2-5
S.-a. Ecuador 5-4 2-8 2-4
S.-G. Ecuador 45 2-6 2-0
Diglossa hvmerah's.
P. L. S. Ecuador 5-7 27 2-4
S.-G. Ocaiia ( Wyatt) . . 5-0 2-8 2-5
S.-G. Columbia 4-5 2-4 2-0
P. L. S. Columbia 4-8 2-5 2-1
P.L.S. Columbia 4-6 27 2-1
11. DiGLOSSA ATERRIMA.
Diylossa aterrima, Lafr. Kev. Zool. 1846, p. 319; Bp. Consp. p. 401 ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1855, p. 138, et 1858, p. 551, et Cat. A. B. p. 49; Reich. Handb. p, 232, t. dliii. f. 3759; Cassin, Pr. Ac. Phil. 1864, p. 275 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 15. Atra unicolor; rostro et pedibus nigris : long, tola 5-5, alae 2*7, caudse 2*5. Fem. minor et subfuscescentior.
Hub. Andes of Ecuador.
Mus. P. L. S. et S.-G.
Mr. Fraser obtained specimens of this species at Titiacuu and Matos, both high up on the plateau of Riobamba and from 10,000 to 12,000 feet above the sea-level. He says it is found " on the bushes and trees on the hill-side, is very restless, and has a very pretty song.'^ The original types described by Lafresnaye were procured at Parlo, within the confines of Columbia (probably by Delattre) ; but I do not think the species ever occurs in Bogota collections, nor have I seen it from any part of Peru.
12. DiGLOSSA ALBILATERALIS. (Plate V. figS. 1 c? , 2 ? .)
Diglossa albilateralis, Lath. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 98, et 1846, p. 317 ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1855, p. 138, et 1859, p. 138, et Cat. A. B. p. 48; Bp. Consp. p. 401 ; Cassin, Pr. Ac. Phil. 1864, p. 275 ; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1870, p. 780, et Nomencl. p. 15 ; Wyatt, Ibis, 1871, p. 324.
Agrilorhinus olivaceus, Fraser, P. Z. S. 1840, p. 22 ( ? ?).
Ibis. IS 75. PI. V.
'iml.tith. Han^ imp.
DIGLOSSA ALEILATERALIS, 15,2?.
Species of the Subfamily Digiossinae. 217
Cineraceo-nigra unicolor : subalaribus et lateribus candidis : rostro et pedibus nigris; long, tota 4'5, alse 2'3, caudse 2"0. Fern, olivaceo-brunnea, subtus rufescenti-ochracea, lateribus caudidis.
Hab. Andes of Venezuela, Columbia, and Ecuador,
Mus. P.L.S. et S.-G.
This Diglossa was first described in 1843 by Lafresnaye, from Bogota skins. It extends along the Andes on the one side into Ecuador, where examples were collected by Eraser at several localities not far from Quito, and in the other di- rection into Venezuela, whence Mr. Goering has transmitted specimens from the lower wood-region of Merida. Mr. Sal- mon obtained it in the state of Antioquia, and Mr. Wyatt on his excursion to the Andes of Ocaiia ; so that it seems to be pretty widely distributed.
I have a young male (collected by Eraser in April 1859, above Puellaro, in Ecuador) which clearly connects the some- what dissimilar male and female plumages of this species.
The figui'es (Pi. V.) are taken from specimens of this species collected by Mr. Salmon — the male now in Salvin and Godman^s collection, the female in my own.
13. Diglossa plumbea.
Diglossa plumbea, Cab. Journ. f. Orn. 1860, p. 411 ; Salvin, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 185 ; Cassin, Pr. Ac. Phil. 1854, p. 275 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 15.
Plumbea, capite alls et cauda obscurioribus : subtus dilutior, in ventre medio albescens : rostro obscuro, mandibula infe- riore ad basin cornea, pedibus fuscis : long, tota 4'3, alse 2*2, eaudse 1'6. Fern, olivacea, alis caudaque fuscis ochraceo marginatis : subtiis valde dilutior, abdomine ochraceo lavato. Hab. Costa Rica and Veragua. Mus. P. L. S. ct S.-G.
This Diglossa was originally described by Dr. Cabanis from a single male specimen transmitted by Dr. v. Frantzius from Costa Rica. I have a skin obtained in the same country by Dr. van Patten. More recently Arce has collected a good series of both sexes of this species on the southern slopes of the Volcano of Chiriqui, showing that its range extends into Veragua.
218 Mr. P. L. Sclater's Synopsis of the
14. DiGLOSSA PERSONATA.
AgrUorhinus personatus, Fraser, P. Z. S. 1840, p. 22.
Uncirostrum cyaneum, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1840, p. 102.
Diylossa cyanea, Bp. Consp. p. 401.
Diglossa melanopis, Tsch. in Wiegm. Arch. x. 1, p. 294.
Difflossa personata, Hartl. Syst. Verz. p. 19; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1855, p. 138, 1858, p. 551, et 1859, p. 138, et Cat. A. B. p. 49; Jard. Contr. 1849, p. 44; Reich. Handb. p. 231, t. dlii. f. 3752 ; Tsch. F. P. Orn. p. 237 ; Cassiu, Pr. Ac. Phil. 1864, p. 274; Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 98; Tacz. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 511; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 15.
Obscure cserulea, alis caudaque nigris cseruleo limbatis : fronte et capitis lateribus nigris : rostro et pedibus nigris : long, tota 5*8, alse 3'0, caudse 2*5 . Fern, paulo minor, long, tota 5*0, alse 2*7, caudse 2*1.
Hab. Andes of Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Mus. P. L. S. et S.-G.
This Diglossa was described by Mr. Fraser in this coun- try, and by M. de Lafresnaye in France, almost simulta- neously; but precedence is usually assigned to the former author's name. It is by no means uncommon in " Bogota" collections ; and Mr. Salmon has sent many specimens from the state of Antioquia in the same Republic. Mr. Salmon's were obtained at Retiro, near Medellin, at an altitude of about 7000 feet above the sea-level.
Proceeding to the Repubhc of Ecuador, we find this bird recorded by Jameson* as met with in the ''forests on the eastern side of Pichincha, in the cold region." Mr. Fraser also obtained it at Matos, Pinipi, and other high spots in the same district " amongst the trees on the mountains." He marks the irides as " red." He likewise subsequently col- lected specimens at PaUatanga at a lower elevation. The species also occurs in the Andes of Northern Peru, as recorded by Tschudi and Jelski, who both met with it in the same district.
15. Diglossa indigotica.
Diglossa indigotica, Sclater, Ann. & Mag. N. H. ser. 2, • Contr. Orn. 1840, p. 44.
Species of the Subfamily Diglossiuse. 219
xvii. p. 467 ; P. Z. S. I860, p. 85 ; et Cat. A. B. p. 49 ; Cas-
sin, Pr. Ac. Phil. 1864, p. 274; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 15.
Saturate purpureo-caerulea unicolor ; loris iiigris : alls cauda-
que nigris caerulco lirabatis : rostro et pedibus nigris :
long, tota 4)3, alse 2*2, caudse 1*4.
Hab. Andes of Ecuador.
Mm. P.L. S.
This Diglossa was first described by me in 1856, from a specimen received from Verreaux, of Paris. It is a very well- marked species, to be recognized at once by its uniform pur- plish colour, without the blackface oiD.personata. In 1859 Fraser obtained examples of it at Nanegal, a village on the western slope of Pichincha, at an altitude of 4000 feet. One of them, together with the type of the original descrip- tion, is in my collection. Mr. Fraser marks the iris of this species as " dark red."
Genus II. Diglossopis. Diglossopis, Sclater, Ann. N. H. ser. 2, xvii. p. 467 (1856) : type D. caerulescens.
Diglossopis c^rulescens.
Diglossopis ccerulescens, Sclater, Ann. & Mag. N. H. ser. 2, xvii. p. 467; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 627, et Nomencl. p. 15; Wyatt, Ibis, 1871, p. 324.
Diglossa personata $ , Reich. Handb. p. 231, t. dlii. f. 3753.
Cserulescenti-cinerea fere unicolor, subtvis in ventre dilutior :
alls caudaque intus nigricantibus : loris et rostri am-
bitu obscuris : rostro nigi-o, pedibus fuscis : long, tota
6-0, alse 2-9, caudye 2-3.
Hab. Andes of Venezuela and Columbia.
Mus. P.L.S. et S.-G.
This curious bird is, I believe, often regarded as the female oi D. personata*, and has been figm'ed and described as such by Dr. Reichenbach. Dr. Hartlaub first drew my attention to it in 1854 at Bremen. Subsequently I found skins at
* Mr. Salvin tells me that two of the specimens in the Lafresnaye col- lection, now at Boston, marked " D. personata 2 >" ai'e of this species, i. e. X>. ccernhaccns.
220 Si/7ioj}sis of the Species of the Subfamily Diglossinse.
|
Si |
|
|
ZJ |
|
|
^ |
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^ |
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|
d |
|
|
u |
|
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bf) |
|
|
^^ |
o |
|
«=; |
flj |
|
P |
bO |
|
rt |
|
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< |
CO |
|
'A |
!d |
|
IX 02 |
.2 |
|
w |
;=! |
|
l-l |
^ |
|
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|
|
1 |
D. sittoides. D. mystacalis. U. carbonaria. |
|
Peni. |
D. sittoides. D. brunneiventris. D. pectoralis. J), personata. |
|
Ecuador. |
D. sittoides. D. lafresnayi. D. aterrima. D. personata. D. indigotica. |
|
Venezuela. |
D. sittoides. 1). gloriosa. D. albilateralis. D. ccerulescens. |
|
3 |
1). sittoides. D. lafresnayi. D. albilateralis. D. personata. D. caerulescens. |
|
Costarica et Vcragua. |
1 |
|
Mexico et Guatemala. |
S P |
Notes on Mr. R. B. Sharpens Catalogue 0/ Accipitrcs. 221
Paris, in Mr. LevraucVs extensive collection sent to the Jardin des Plantes from Caracas, where M. Salle and Mr. Goering also obtained specimens. Mr. Wyatt met with it on his journey into the Andes of Ocafia, and tells us that he found it in the forests, at an altitude of about 7000 feet, at Portrerras, and at two or three other localities between Ocana and Bu- caramanga. He describes the iris as '' light red.'' The species is also not very infrequent in " Bogota " collections ; but I have never seen it from Ecuador or Peru.
XIV. — Notes on a ' Catalogue of the Accipitres in the British Museum/ by R. Bowdler Sharpe (1874) . By J. H. Gurney.
[Continued from page 96.]
Passing on to the genus Polyboroides, which Mr. Sharpe places at the head of the Accipitrinse, I may remark that, in his description of the adult female of P. typicus, Mr. Sharpe does not mention that the transverse bands on the lower parts, and especially on the tibial feathers, are much narrower and closer together in some adult females (probably very old birds) than in the ordinary adult plumage of both sexes ; such a female was figured and described as specifically distinct under the name of Gymnogenys malzacii by the late MM. J. and E. Verreaux in the Rev. et Mag. de Zoologie for 1855, from a specimen in the Norwich Museum, which was obtained in Nubia ; and the same museum also contains a similar female from Natal.
In treating of the Harriers, Mr. Sharpe comprises all the known species of this group under the genus Circus, which is probably a judicious course, as, although that genus seems to be naturally divisible into distinct sections (probably four in number) , it would be difficult to define these satisfactorily without a fuller acquaintance than we at present possess with such variations of coloration as are incident to the sexes and successive ages of each species.
It may be a convenient course, in arranging my observa- tions upon the genus Circus, to commence with the British
222 Mr. J. H. Gurney's Notes on
Harriers^ as some of my remarks will be more or less appli- cable to all the three species wliich occur in this country ; I will therefore, in the first instance, refer to C. cyaneus — in re- gard to which I think that Japan should be added to the lo- calities given by Mr. Sharpe, as there are two females from that country preserved in the museum at Leyden, which, when I examined them in 18G9, appeared to me to be re- ferable to this species ; it is, however, right to add that Professor Schlegel, in the 'Museum des Pays-Bas,^ Circi (p. 2), quotes these specimens as examples of Circus hud-
somcus
^
In the three British Harriers, the coloui' of the iris in the adult birds is always a clear yellow in the males, and usually a yellowish brown in the females ; but it would seem that in the latter, as they become aged, the coloiu' of the iris ap- proaches nearer to that of the male bird, and that this is es- pecially the case in Montagu's Harrier t, in which species the females appear also occasionally to assume, more or less com- pletely, the grey plumage which always distinguishes the adult males. Mr, Sharpe has an important footnote attached to his article on this species {vide p. 66), from which it would seem that he has examined " grey-plumaged " specimens of this Harrier which, as indicated by their measurements, must, in all probability, have been female birds; and Mr. E. H. Rodd has recorded in the ' Zoologist ' for 1852, at p. 3475, a Montagu's Harrier, obtained in April of that year on the
* In the same passage Professor Sclilegel mentions two supposed spe- cimens of C. hudmnicus from the Philippines which are preserved in the Leyden Museum. These are in reality immature examples of C. melano- leucus. I have already alluded to this circumstance in ' The Ibis ' for 1870 (p. 445), and should not have again referred to it had not the original error been recently reproduced in Messrs. Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway's valuable ' History of North-American Birds ' (vol. iii. p. 218).
t Mr. Sharpe is of opinion that this species is entitled to bear the spe- cific name pygargris, for reasons which he gives in a footnote at p. 64 of his Catalogue. In his synonymy of this species Mr. Shai^pe omits to mention that the specific name oi cmeraceus was used by Montagu in 1802 ( vide Orn. Diet. i. sheet F), as quoted by Professor Newton in his edition of ' Yarrell's British Birds ' (i. p. 138).
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 223
Scilly Islands, which proved on dissection to be a female, having "the ovarium filled with eggs, but not much de- veloped,^' in which " a decided tone of blue pervaded a great many of the scapulary feathers,^' and the irides were " bright yellow,'* as in an adult male.
The subject of the sexual distinction of colour in the irides of some of the Harriers is an interesting one ; and it may be hoped that ornithologists in India, and in other countries where various species of the genus Circus are more abundant than in England, will avail themselves of as many opportu- nities as possible of recording observations bearing upon it*.
In regard to Circus ceruginosus, Mr. Sharpe's description of the plumage of the adult male is very full and excellent, though I suspect that it has been taken from a slightly faded specimen ; but with reference to the coloration of the imma- ture birds and of the adult females, some additional remarks may not be out of place.
The " creamy buflF " or luteous colouring of the upper por- tion of the head is much clearer in what may be called the normal immature plumage of this species than in the adults of either sex, owing to the darker shaft-marks of the luteous feathers being very narrow and often almost imperceptible in young birds, whereas in those which are adult these marks are always broader and more conspicuous. In most young birds the luteous colouring forms a cap over the whole upper surface of the head, but in some it is either entirely absent or only represented by a few fulvescent feathers at the back of the head, its place being occupied by plumage of a dark cho- colate-brown ; and an instance is recorded in Hunt's ' British
* In reference to this subject I may quote two notes on South- African Harriers. In ' The Ibis' for 1871 (p. 148), Mr. Ayres records the iris of a female Circus swainsoni as dark hazel ; in this case the sex was ascer- tained by dissection, and the bird, which I examined, appeared to be in adult plumage. In * The Ibis ' for 1874 (p. 359), Mr. Buckley records two females of Circus ranivortts, in one of which the iris was hazel, the beak being black, whilst in the other, which was no doubt the older bird, the iris was light yellow and the beak horn-colour. It would seem probable that in those Haniers in which, as in C. ranivorus, the sexes are alike, both have yellow irides when fully adult.
224 Mr, J. H. Gurney's Notes on
Birds ' (vol. i. p. 50) of two individuals^ which were reared from the same nest^ of which one had the upper portion of the head " bright luteous/' whilst in the other it was a " dark chocolate-colour.'^
The rufous mottlings on the tails of immature specimens, to which Mr. Sharpe alludes, docs not extend (so far as I have observed) to the two central rectrices, but is more or less pre- sent in all the others, and in some young males assumes the character of irregular transverse bars. In other immature males, but more advanced towards the adult stage, and in which these rufous markings have disappeared and the whole tail has become grey, it is crossed by a band of darker grey, about half an inch in breadth, and about that space from the extremity of the tail, which extends across all the rectrices.
The ordinary plumage of the adult female only differs from the normal immature dress of both sexes in the broader shaft- markings on the head, to which I have already alluded ; these, however, in many female specimens, are less conspicuous than in the adult males. The British Museum possesses an ex- ample which, by its measurements, appears to be a female, but which, in the tinge of grey on its wings and tail, as well as in the general character of its plumage, somewhat resem- bles the adult male, though much less brightly rufous and fulvescent in its general coloration.
This is the only instance that I recollect to have personally met with of a female of the Marsh- Harrier assimilating in plumage to the adult male^.
The island of Ceylon may be added to the localities
* In an interesting paper by Professor Blasius on the European Har- riers, published in the ' Naumannia ' for 1857 (p. 307), the following ob- servations occur respecting the old females of Circus ceruginosus : — " The large upper coverts at the edge of the wing and the quill-feathers exter- nally are tinted ash-grey .... the tail-feathers reddish grey .... In the intensity of the ash-grey colouring of the upper wing, of the markings of the tail, and of the whole colouring, various distinctions present them- selves, and also approach to those males whose colours are not very fully developed .... The plumage of the old females shows no sharp contrasts ; still less have I seen a female of the decided colouring of the old male ; yet it has been asserted that the old females become cock-feathered."
Mr. R. B. Sharpens Catalogue of Accipitres. 225
quoted by Mr, Sharpe for this species. I have seen three examples from there, one of which is preserved in the Nor- wich Museum.
In treating of the two Australian Harriers, Mr. Sharpe correctly applies the specific name of C. assimilis to the spe- cies figured in Mr. Gould^s ' Birds of Australia ' under the name of Circus jar dinii, and that of C. gouldi to the Harrier figured by Mr. Gould under the name of Circus assimilis ; but he omits to mention that both these species occur in Tas- mania. A specimen of each from that island is contained in the Norwich Museum. The former species (under the name of Circus jar dinii) is mentioned in ' The Ibis' for 1865 (p. 338), on the authority of Captain Jouan, as also inhabit- ing New Caledonia ; but I am not aware of this circumstance having come under the notice of any other observer. The ordinary Harrier of New Caledonia is Circus wolfi, which Mr. Sharpe includes amongst the synonyms of C. gouldi, but adds in a footnote that it " may turn ouf to be distinct." I have myself no doubt as to C. wolfi being a good and distinct spe- cies, as to which I would refer to my remarks in ' The Ibis ' for 1873, pp. 421, 422.
Under the head of Circus spilonotus I may observe that Mr. Sharpe appears, by the measurements given, to have de- scribed as an adult female a young male in female plumage.
In two females preserved in the Norwich Museum"^, the wing measures 17*5 inches, and the tarsus 3*5, being consi- derably in excess of the dimensions ascribed to the female of this species by Mr. Sharpe. The same collection contains a specimen of this Harrier from the island of Formosa, a loca- lity not quoted by Mr. Sharpe for this species.
The next species to which I propose to refer is Circus me- lanoleucus ; and as Mr. Sharpe does not describe this Harrier in its immature stages, I am desirous of offering a few re- marks on that subject, in doing which I would acknowledge my obligations to two valuable contributions by Mr. Hume to our information respecting it, one of which is contained in
* The Norwich IMuseum also contains five males of C. spilonotus ; ia four of these the tarsus measures 3"25 inches, and in the fifth 3-125.
226 Mr. J. H. Gurney's Notes on
the article on Circus melanoleucus in his ' Scrap-book' (pt. 1, p. 307), and the other in his list of the birds of Upper Pegu, 'Stray Feathers' (vol. iii. p. 33), as also to Mr. Swinhoe's remarks on the same subject in his '' Notes on Chinese Orni- thology " in ' The Ibis' for 1874 (p. 266). The plumage of the immature specimen of this Harrier which Mr. Swinhoe there describes, I take to be that which it wears on first leav- ing the nest ; but it is to be regi*etted that the accompanying figure, though accurate in other respects, has been coloured with a slight tinge of olive-green, which, so far as I have ob- served, never exists in nature in this or in any other Harrier. The plate shows, however, the rufous edgings to the feathers of the head, neck, and lesser wing-coverts, which distinguish the first stage of plumage through which this species passes ; as the bird becomes older these are replaced by paler margins, which are for the most part quite white "^ ; but one specimen which I have examined appears as though, if it had lived, it would not have passed 'through this ordinary intermediate stage, as in this instance the adult black plumage is unmis- takably appearing at the carpal joint before the disappear- ance of the rufous margins from the feathers of the head, neck, and lesser wing- coverts. This remarkable example is a yomig male from Malacca, for the loan of which I am in- debted to the kindness of Lord Walden.
The progress towards maturity is also marked in all cases by the spreading of a conspicuous grey tint over the greater and middle wing-coverts, and over the outer webs of the se- condaries and of the upper portion of the primaries — all these grey feathers, however, being crossed at intervals of from an inch to an inch and a half by bars of dark greyish brown about half an inch in width.
After this change in the colouring of the wings has been accomplished, the plumage of the back, which has hitherto been a uniform brown (with the exception, in some indivi-
* In one example in the Norwich Museum these whitish edgings re- main on the feathers at the back of the head, though the central portion of these feathers is black, and the remainder of the bird's plumage is fully adult.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 227
duals, of a few rufous or fulvescent spots on the scapulars), becomes gradually mottled by the feathers assuming a grey tint on their upper portion, a darker colour, verging on black, towards their extremity, and, in the case of the lower sca- pulars, a narrow white tip. In this stage the bird bears a curious resemblance to the adult male of Circus spilonotus, from which, however, it is always to be distinguished by its smaller dimensions. In all the immature stages of Circus melanoleucus the tail is greyish brown, crossed with four or five transverse bars of dark brown ; but in very young speci- mens the greyish brown tint is confined to the two central rectrices, the intervals between the transverse bars being in the other tail-feathers white tinged with rufous ; as the bird becomes older the tail loses this rufous tint, all the feathers which compose it become grey ; and this tinge of grey becomes clearer and more decided as the bird advances towards matu- rity. The transverse bars, however, appear to be long in dis- appearing, and I have observed slight traces of them in the case of a specimen which showed no other remains of imma- ture plumage except a very slight tinge or " wash of slaty grey " (to use Mr. Sharpens expression) diffused over the black portions of the plumage. Mr. Sharpe gives this latter pecu- liarity as distinctive of the adult female ; but the specimen above alluded to, in which I observed it, appears by its di- mensions to be a male. The upper tail-coverts, which in the adult males of this species are white broadly barred with an- gular grey markings, are in immature specimens white with (in most cases) a slight brown shaft- mark. The under tail- coverts in the young bird are also white, with broader broAvn shaft-marks.
There seems to be no instance on record of a specimen of Circus melanoleucus in the fully adult black and grey plu- mage having been ascertained by dissection to be a female ; and the investigations recently made by ornithologists in India on this point tend to prove that if the females of this Harrier ever do acquire a plumage resembling that of the adult male, they only attain it very rarely, and probably when they become aged. Mr. Hume writes to me under date of
228 Mr. J. n. (jurney's Notes on
8th January, 1875, " all tlie black-and-white birds dissected by Tytler, Blewctt, Gates, Feilden, and myself (aggregating, I suppose, fifty specimens) have been males ^^*.
The specimen in the British Museum from which Mr. Sharpe took the description of the adult female given in his catalogue is, so far as I know, unique ; and the fact of its being a female is inferred from its large proportions. It is the same individual from Assam which was formerly in the possession of Mr. Gould, and which was described by the late Dr. Jerdon in "^The Ibis' (1871, p. 342) as ''a very large supposed male of C. melanoleucus from Assam ;" and it has a peculiarity which Mr. Sharpe does not notice, but which Dr. Jerdon thus describes : " the pale grey colour extends more over the carpal joint than in ordinary specimens, so that the whole shoulder appears white." Mr. Hume, however, states C^ Stray Feathers,' vol. ii. p. 34) that he has met with adult males which also presented the appearance of the '' whole shoulder being white," and that he considers this to be merely " an individual peculiarity," It may be well to add that this specimen agrees in the character and size of the foot with ordinary specimens of C. melanoleucus, the middle toe, with- out the claw, being barely an inch and a half in length. I may also mention, for the sake of comparison, that in the males of C. spilonotus the middle toe is from If to If inch in length, and the foot and tarsus much more robust than in C. melanoleucus.
Before leaving the subject of Circus melanoleucus, I may add that Ceylon and Malacca should be added to the loca- lities included by Mr. Sharpe in the habitat of that species.
I am now desirous of offering some observations on the Har- rier from the Island of Reunion, to which the late M. Jules Verreaux gave the name of Circus maillardi, and a presumed male and female of which, obtained in that island, were figured in ' The Ibis' for 1863 (pi. 4), the former being drawn from the type specimen in the Paris Museum f, the latter from a
* Mr. Hume, however, has met with a female in the state of plumage assimilating to C. spikmotus. {Vide ' Stray Feathers/ vol. ii. p. 34.) t Besides the type specimen, the Museum at Paris contains four others
M)\ R. B. S/iarpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 229
specimen in the Norwich Museum^ where there are three ex- amples from the Island of Reunion, but all in brown plumage. The Leyden Museum possesses four specimens from the same island, one of which is in the black-and-white plumage ; and from this specimen and a brown one, also at Leyden, Mr. Sharpens descriptions of this species are taken. The Norwich Museum also possesses two black-and-white Harriers from Joanna Island, in the Comoro group, which were referred to in ' The Ibis ' for 1864 (p. .298) and for 1869 (p. 450) as adult males of Circus inaillardi. There are, however, some slight difterences between these two specimens and those in similar plumage from Reunion which it may be desirable to note. First, as regards measurements, Mr. Sharpe gives the length of the wing in the Leyden specimen as 14" 1 inches, and the tarsus as 3"35. In one of the Joanna specimens at Norwich the tarsus measures 3'62, in the other 3"56 ; and in both the wing measures 17' 12 along the curve, or 16"8 as measured by Mr. Sharpe, without allowing for the bend of the wing. Secondly, with regard to colouring, Mr. Sharpe describes the upper tail-coverts in the Leyden specimen as '' wliite,^^ and the tail as " silvery ash-colour with remains of a black sub- terminal band, and a few spots of the same on the outer feathers.^^ M. Verreaux, in his description of the type spe- cimen at Paris (as given in 'The Ibis^ for 1863, p. 163), speaks of the colour of the lail in the following terms : — " gris clair argentc en dessus, avec quelques restes de bandes transversales sur la rectrice la plus externe." M. Verreaux does not notice the colour of the tail-coverts ; but the omission is supplied by Dr. Oustalet as follows : — " Couvertures infe- rieures de la queue blanches, couvertures superieures blanches avec quelques stries brunatres vers le bout des barbes.^^ Of
from Reunion, three of which (including a nestling) are in brown plu- mage, and the fourth apparently in a state of change from that dress to the black-and-white stage with the grey tail which characterizes the ty- pical example.
I am indebted for my information as to these specimens to the kind- ness of Dr. E. Oustalet, of the Paris Museum, who has been so good as to send a description of each to Mr. Shai"pe for my use.
SEK. III. VOL. v. R
230 Mr. J. II. Gurncy's Notes on
the Joanna specimens at Norwich, one has the upper tail- coverts white, but crossed with a bar of slate-coloured spots, and the tail silvery grey, but with traces of five transverse bars of a darker grey — all of which, however, are somewhat imperfect, except the lowest. In the other Joanna specimen the upper tail-coverts are also white, but with two transverse bai*s of slate-colour, the upper one being broken into a row of separate spots, but the lower one continuous ; the tail resem- bles in coloration that of the other examples from the same island, except that the transverse bars are somewhat less in- distinct, and are six in number. With these exceptions the genei-al coloration of these two Joanna specimens resembles that of the type of Circus maillardi from Reunion, as figured in ' The Ibis ' for 1863. Whether these diflferences between the Reunion and Comoro specimens are specific, or are due merely to age or sex, must be determined by subsequent ob- servations ; but in the mean time an additional fact of much interest has occurred since the publication of Mr. Sharpe's catalogue, the British Museum having recently obtained from Madagascar a Harrier which closely resembles in general cha- racter and coloration the Joanna Harriers in the Norwich Museum. This specimen has two transverse bars of brownish slate-colour on the upper tail-coverts, which are otherwise white, the lower bar being continuous, and the upper one nearly so ; the tail is grey, with seven darker bars, the lowest one being the broadest ; the feathers on the head and neck are still edged with brown, which probably denotes the re- mains of immature plumage ; the iris is stated to have been yellow; the wing (straight measure) is 16"9 inches, and the tarsus 3*55 in length.
It therefore seems probable that the Madagascar race to which this Harrier belongs is identical with that found in Joanna Island ; and a further question arises as to whether the type of Ch'cus macroscelis from Madagascar, w hich is pre- served in the Norwich Museum, is not an immature indivi- dual of the same race in its second or intermediate stage of plumage ? This seems to be possible, as its dimensions are not very dissimilar, and especially as^ on reexamination, it
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue 0/ Accipitres. 231
appears that the true measurement of the tarsus (which^ iu the original description, was given as 4 inches) does not in reality exceed 3'85. On the other hand, it must be remem- bered that Mr. Edward Newton, by whom this specimen was shot, pronounced it upon dissection to be a male — a conclusion which is perhaps strengthened by the fact, which he also re- cords, that its irides were yellow [vide Ibis, 1863, p. 358).
It may be desirable here to observe that Harriers with trans- verse bars on the tail have been obtained in Joanna Island, in Madagascar, and in Reunion, and it seems probable that these bars are indicative of the second or intermediate stage of plumage. The two Joanna specimens in the Norwich Mu- seum both show these bars, as already mentioned, though they seem as if when the birds were killed they were in pro- cess of gi'adually disappearing. A nestling from Madagascar in the Museum at Paris has no bars on the tail ; but the type of C. macroscelis has the upper surface of the tail banded with six transverse bars very distinctly marked. The Harrier from Reunion in the Leyden Museum, from which Mr. Sharpe took his description of the '' young " plu- mage, also the three brown Harriers from the same island in the Norwich Museum, and three similar specimens (one a nestling) in the Museum at Paris, are all destitute of these bands ; but another Reunion specimen at Paris exhibits them in a marked manner ; and as this is evidently an individual in change, and on that account very interesting, I transcribe Dr. Oustalet's description of it. " Plumage brun en dessus, melange de brun sur la poitrine, blanc avec des flammes brunes sur le ventre, queue d^un gi'is brun, roussatre en des- sus, avec six bandes transversales, plus distinctes sur la face superieure que sur la face inferieure des rectrices. Cou- vertures infra-caudales blanches k tige brune, couvertures supra-caudales egalement blanches h, tige brune ''*.
It is to be hoped that additional specimens and observations will shortly clear up the question of the identity or the reverse
* It may be worth mentioning, for the sake of comparison, that in the type specimen of C, macroscelis the feathers of the upper tail-coverts are brown, with whitish tips.
r2
232 Mr. J. II. Gurncy's Notes on
of the Harriers inhabiting Joanna Island, Madagascar, and Keunion ; and in the meanwhile I think it may be well to record a circumstance which may have some bearing upon it, viz. that, according to information furnished to me by Mr. Felix Bediugfield, who presented to the Norwich Museum two specimens of Circles inaillardi from Reunion, the Harriers contained in the Reunion ^Museum were not obtained in that island, but in Madagascar.
In the arrangement adopted by INIr. Sharpe the genus Circus is followed by Micrastur, under which head ]Mr. Sharpe gives (and, I think, correctly) M. leucauchen of Messrs. Sclater and Salvia (P. Z. S. 1869, p. 367) as the adult male ofM. ruficollis; but the Falco leucauchen of Temminck appears to me, by the figure in the PI. Col. pi. 306 (misprinted pi. 36 in Mr. Sharpe's catalogue), to be an immature female of this species.
I may add that I have never seen a specimen of M. rvfi- coUis with the back of the head of a bright imbroken rufous, as represented in Temminck's PL Col. (pi. 92) under the title of Falco xanthothorax, and I suspect that the colourist may have been inaccurate in this particular.
The collection of Messrs. Salvin and Godman contains a remarkable specimen of this Hawk from Brazil, apparently an adult female, in which the throat, instead of being '' whitish washed with rufous,'^ as described by Mr. Sharpe, or pure unbroken nifous, as figured by Temminck, is barred trans- versely with alternate bands of black and white, narrower than those on the abdomen, but otherwise similar. Across the crop, in this specimen, these bars also exist, but are there so much tinged and blended with the usual rufous colouring of those parts as to present the appearance of a rufous pectoral band. It may be desirable to mention that Mr. Ridgway, the author of the valuable Catalogue of the Falconidse pre- served in the Museum at Boston, U. S. (at p. 40 of that work), treats Falco leucauchen of Temminck as specifically distinct from M. ruficollis, though, on the other hand, he does not separate from the latter species M. gilvicoUis of Vieillot and M. zonothorax of Cabanis, both of which Mr. Sharpe considers to be distinct species.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 233
This difference of opinion between ornithologists who have closely examined considerable numbers of these birds in the skin, must probably be ultimately solved by those naturalists who may hereafter have the opportunity of observing them in. a state of nature, and especially when engaged in the process of nidification or during the period when the sexes are to be found in pairs. With reference to Mr. Sharpe's account of M. gilvicoUis, it may be well to remark that there appears to be a misprint in the measurements of the adult male, the tarsus being given as 1*2, instead of 2'2.
In connexion with the succeeding genus, Geranospizias, Mr. Ridgway, in the work already cited, has (at p. 42) a very curious observation, tending to show the near relationship of this genus to that of Polyboroides, which it would seem in great. measure to represent on the American continent. Mr. Ridgway remarks that he has found in " an alcoholic speci- men of G. carulescens" the tibio-tarsal joint "flexible both backwards and forwards '''.... and this singular flexibility of that joint .... "just as well developed in Geranospiza" as in Polyboroides. It may here be well to remark that the more southern species of this genus, to which Mr. Sharpe assigns the specific name of " ceerulescens ," bears in Mr. Ridg- way's work that of "gracilis," while the "G. niger" of Mr. Sharpe is divided by Mr. Ridgway into two races (called by him '^ varieties "), one of which he states to occur in tropical America, south of Panama; and to this he applies the name of " ccerulescens ," its prevailing colour being " bluish plum- beous •" whilst to the other, which is found north of Panama, and is of a " plumbeous-black " colour, he restricts the spe- cific name of " niger." In regard to the coloration of these two races Mr. Ridgway adds the following remark : — " Spe- cimens from Panama are exactly intermediate between cceru- lescens from Brazil and niger from Mexico.^'
Mr. Sharpe speaks of the " young stage " of G. niger as being especially distinguished from the adult by a conspicuous white bar on the lower surface of tbe primaries ; but another noteworthy distinction is the white colour of the forehead and chin in the immature birds, which is exchanged for slaty black in the adults.
234 Mr. J. II. Gurncy^s Notes on
I may also observe that Mr. Sliarpe gives the colour of the iris in the adult male of his G. caerulescens as " red ;" but Mr. W. B. Lee, in 'The Ibis" (1873, p. 135), mentions a specimen which he shot in the territory of the Argentine Republic, but of which he does not record the sex, as having the irides " bright yellow ;" and the adult female is also de- scribed by Prince ]\Iaximilian of Wied as having a " very pale yellow " iris, which is confirmed by D'Orbigny, who speaks of this species as having "pale yellow eyes "'^.
The genus Geranospizias is followed in Mr. Sharpens cata- talogue by that very curious West- African Hawk, Astur ma- crurus, of Hartlaub, which Mr. Sharpe, I think very properly, erects into a distinct genus under the name of Urotriorchis, between which and the allied African genus Melierax Mr. Sharpe has intercalated an American form, Falco unicinctus, of Temminck, for which he accepts (see Addenda, at p. 456) Mr. Ridgway^s generic name of Antenor. I venture to dis- sent from the position which Mr. Sharpe assigns to this genus, and am disposed to prefer the view suggested by Mr. Ridgway in his Catalogue of the Falconidse in the Boston Museum (p. 23, note), that it is "intermediate between Buteo and Urubitinga -/' and, indeed, upon Mr. Sharpens own definition, it would appear to belong to his " subfamily Buteoninse," as (according to tbe measurements of a male skeleton from Mexico in the Norwich Museum) the tibia is 4| inches in length, and the tarsus only 3 inches, the length of the hind claw in the male being \\ inch, which is less than the diflfer' ence between the tarsus and the tibia.
In Messrs. Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway's recent work the 'Birds of North America'' (vol. iii. p. 249), those gentle- men distinguish the North- American form of Antenor from the Southern under the designation of " variety harrisi," with the following observation : — " It seems that South-American birds of this species never attain the simple tricoloured plu-
* [The iris of a specimen of Geranospiza ni(/ra, sliot by me at Duenas, in 1859, was "burnt sienna, the outer portion being lighter-coloured j legs blood-orange; cere black." (See Ibis, 18G0, p. 44, sub Geranospvia coTvlescetis.) — O. S.]
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 285
mage assumed by the adult of the North- American form." So far as I have had the opportunity of examining specimens from South America, this observation is correct"^.
Passing on to the genus Melierax, I have a few observa- tions to make relative to the colour of the irides in some species of that genus.
In M. canorus Mr. Sharpe describes the colour of the iris as " dark reddish brown " in the adult, and " dark brown " in the immature bird. The former is in accordance with all the observations that I have met with ; but as regards the the colour of the eye in younger specimens, I may remark that Mr. Ayres, in 'The Ibis ' for 1869 (p. 289), records the iris of a young male which he obtained as being " yellow."
In treating of the nearly allied species M. polyzonus, Mr. Sharpe gives the iris of the adult male as "pale umber-brown;" but Riippell, in the 'Neue Wirbelthiere ^ (p. 37), states that the iris in adult birds is a " beautiful carmine-red ;" and Bar- boza du Bocage, in his tenth list of the birds of Portuguese West Africa, also states that it is " red."
In the case of M. gabar, the iris of the immature bird is stated by Mr. Sharpe to be yellow, which agrees with all the notices which I have seen respecting it ; but as regards the colour of the iris in the adult of this species, there appears to be a considerable variation between the records of different observers, and probably therefore in the birds themselves. Mr. Sharpe quotes Andersson, who gives it as '' brilliant purple"t, and Von Heuglin, according to whom it is "scarlet;" Le Vaillant speaks of it as "bright yellow;" Mr. Atmore, as quoted by Layard, describes it as " bright crimson ;" Mr. Ayres, in 'The Ibis^ for 1869 (p. 289), mentions an adult female in which it was " dark reddish yellow," Mr. Buckley, in 'The Ibis^ for 1874 (p. 359), an adult male in which it
* In the P. Z. S. for 1858, p. 150, Dr. Sclater has recorded a curious variation in the form of the upper mandible in this species, as exhibited in two specimens from Cliile, which are preserved in the Norwich Museum.
t I think it probable that by the term " purple " Andersson intended to denote a dark red.
236 jNIr. II. E. Dresser's Notes on
was " dark hazel ;" and Prof. Barboza du Bocage, in the list already quoted^ mentions a male in Avhich the iris was " red." I may here remark (as I do not observe that the fact is al- luded to by jNIr. Sharpe) that " Falco yahar, Shaw/^ was spe- cified by the late jNIr. G. R. Gray as the type of his genus Micronisus, in the first edition of his ' List of Genera of Birds/ published in 1840; but it seems to me that Mr, Sharpe is unquestionably right in following Dr. Hartlaub in his assign- ment of this species to the genus Melierax.
[To be continued.]
XV. — Notes on Severtzoff's ' Fauna of Turkestan' {Turkes- tanskie Jevotnie). By H. E. Dresser.
[Continued from page 112.]
46. CoRvus coRAX^ L. ; SevertzofFj p. 63.
Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II. ^ III., and IV. Vertical range. Resident in districts 2 and 3, and met with during summer in districts 4 and 5.
47. CoRvus suBCORAXj Scvertzolf, pp. 63, 115. Horizontal range. Resident, though rare, in districts II.
and III.
Vertical range. Resident, but rare, in districts 1 and 2.
This species Severtzojff refers, with a note of interrogation, to Corvus umbrinus, Riipp. ; but as he says nothing about the characteristic brown coloration of the head and neck, I scarcely think it can be that species, but consider it far more likely to be Corvus culminatus. He describes it (p. 115) as resembling Corvus corax, and having the same rounded tail, but smaller in size, being, however, larger than Corvus corone, Avhich it also resembles, but has a note like that of the Raven, though not so harsh ; and the lanceolate feathers on the throat commence from the base of the bill, as in the Raven. In size it measures 23*2 inches in length, and 42 in extent, cul- men 2*5-27, tail 95. Some specimens of Corvus corone, he adds, resemble C. suhcora.r in having a large bill and rounded
Severtzojf'' s 'Fauna of Turkestan.^ 237
tail ; but in the former species the bill is always more slender and not so high as that of C. subcorax.
48. CoRvus coRONE, L. ; Severtzoff, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I.^ 11.^ and III., and is resident in district IV. In general not numerous.
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1, 2, and 3, and is met with in summer in districts 4 and 5.
49. CoRvus coRNiXj L.; SevertzoflF, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Is found in Avinter in districts I._, II., and III.
Vertical range. Is found in winter in districts 1, 2, and 3, and during passage in districts 4 and 5.
Severtzoff includes under this species /S. hybrida, doubtless a cross between C corona and C. comix, and speaks of it as having nearly the same range as Corvus comix.
50. CoRvus MONEDULA, Liuu. ; SevcrtzoflP, p. 63. Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Resident and common in districts 1 and 2,
breeds in district 3, and is met with during summer in dis- tricts 4 and 5.
51. CoRvus FRUGiLEGUSj Liuu, ; Scvertzoff, p. 63. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., and III., and
is resident in district IV., but is nowhere very common.
Vertical range. Is met with breeding, and is rare during the winter in districts 1 and 2.
52. Pyrrhocorax graculus (L.). Fregilus graculus, SevertzofiF, p. 63.
Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Is occasionally met with in winter in dis- trict 2, is resident in districts 3 and 4, and is found during summer and possibly breeds in district 5.
53. Pyrrhocorax alpinus, Vieill. ; Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Resident in district IV.
Vertical range. Resident in district 4, and is found during summer in district 5, where it is also in all probability re- sident.
238 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
54. Pica rustica^ Scop.
Pica caudata, var. a. bactriana, Gld.^ j3. leucoptera, Gld. ; SevertzofF, p. 64.
Severtzoff divides the Magpie into the two subspecies as above ; but in my recently published article on Pica rustica, in the ' Birds of Europe/ I have shown that these various sub- species cannot stand. He states that the range of the two so-called subspecies is the same, viz. : —
Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Resident in districts 1 and 2 ; breeds, and may be resident, in district 3 ; and occurs during summer in districts 4 and 5.
55. NuciFRAGA CARYOCATACTEs (Linu.) j Scvertzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Resident in district I.
Vertical range. Resident in district 4, and possibly occurs during winter in district 3.
56. PoDocEs PANDERi, Fisch. ; Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Resident in district III. Vertical range. Resident in district 1.
57. Pastor roseus (Linn.). Sturnus roseus, Severtzoff, p. 64.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV., occasionally in considerable numbers.
Vertical range. Is found in summer in districts 1 and 2, and breeds in the latter as well as in district 3.
58. Sturnus vulgaris, L. ; Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., and III., and
is met with in winter, though rare, in districts III. and IV.
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1, 2, and 3, is found during the winter in districts 1 and 2, and is met with in the summer or during passage in districts 4 and 5.
Severtzoff further includes as a distinct species what is doubtless the Indian form of our European Starling [Sturnus nitens, Hume, nee Brehm), under the name of
59. Sturnus UNicoLOR {pu7'purascens? Gould), the range of which he gives as nearly the same as that of the typical form, viz. : —
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 239
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV., and is possibly resident in district IV.
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1, 2, and 3, is found during winter in district 1, and in the summer or during pas- sage in districts 4 and 5.
60. Passer domesticus (L.) ; Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. liesident in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. A rare straggler to district 1 during sum- mer, but is resident in district 2.
61. Passer salicarius, Severtzoflf, p. 64. ? Passer salicicola, Vieill.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts II., III., and IV., but is rare during winter.
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1 and 2, but is rare in the former.
62. Passer montanus (L.) ; Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Resident in districts 1 and 2, breeds, and
possibly is resident, in district 3, and occurs during summer in districts 4 and 5.
63. Passer ammodendri, sp, nov. ; Severtzoff, pp. 64, 115. Horizontal range. Resident in district III.
Vertical range. Resident in district 1.
Respecting this species, which Severtzoff describes as new, he writes (p. 115) as follows: — "In this species the culmen is shorter and stouter than in the other Sparrows ; the nostrils are placed at the base of the bill, and are covered with hair- like feathers ; the legs are short, the tarsus covered with seven scutellse ; the tail is nearly even, only the two central and the two lateral feathers being about 1'" shorter than the rest ; the second primary is the longest ; legs blackish brown ; iris brown.
" Male. Crown and nape black, the feathers edged with greyish brown ; throat and superciliary stripe pure black ; but besides these there is a line of brown over each eye ; cheeks, sides of the neck, and flanks greyish brown; upper parts
240 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Nates on
greyish brown, with black markings ; underparts white : pri- maries blackish brown, with white edges to the feathers; secondaries and wing-coverts brownish grey, with narrow M-hite margins and broad black spots ; tail-feathers blackish, with light greyish margins.
"Female. Lighter-coloured than the male; the throat- mark is grey, and the feathers have broad white edges ; head and neck brownish grey, without any black ; lines over the eye very light brown, almost white.
''This specimen was obtained at the fortress of Peroffsk in winter; and specimens were also collected at Djulek both in the winter and summer. It was also observed during the -winter near the Syr-Darja, where it is resident.'^
This species has lately been described by Mr. Hume in 'Stray Feathers' (1874, p. 516) under the name of Passer stoliczkce.
64. Passer petronia, L. ; SevertzofiF, p. 64. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts II., III., and IV., and
is possibly resident in district IV. Vertical range. Breeds in district 3.
65. Passer puLVERULENTUs,sp.nov., SevertzofiF, pp. 64,116. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV.,
and is possibly resident in district IV.
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 3 and 4.
SevertzofiF describes this species as folloAvs : — " The bill is conical and stout ; the nostrils small, elliptic, and devoid of a covering of feathers; wings long, extending down over three fourths of the length of the tail ; the first two primaries equal in length, being the longest ; tarsus slight and slender, covered with five scuteUse, two of which are short and thin. Both sexes are similarly coloured, being almost uniform dusty greyish brown ; hence its name. The crown, fore part of the back, and shoulders are dirty brown, marked with blackish lines, the lower back darker ; rump black, the feathers having distinct white edges ; nape, superciliary lines, cheeks, throat, sides of the neck, and breast greyish brown, the nape and su- percilium being lightest, the other parts marked with scarcely
Severtzoff' s 'Fauna of Twkestan.' 241
visible lines ; centre of the abdomen white ; nndcr tail-coverts dark grey, with white edges ; wings browu^ the quills having lighter edges; secondaries with the basal portion blackisli brown, the centres lighter, and the terminal portion dark brown, thus forming two broad bars across the wing; tail blackish brown, the feathers having light grey edges ; culmen dirty yellowish at the base, blackish towards the tip. Total length 6'5 inches, extent 10, wing 365, tail 2*45, culmen 0*45, tarsus 0*7, middle toe "55.
" It inhabits the Carabuzinsk Mountains to the south of the Aulje-ata, where it was found in June, and also in Au- gust in the Djamandavansk Mountains, between Narin and Arpa. It frequents the rocks, and is rare, being, moreover, most difficult to distinguish as it skulks about amongst the rocks. It most nearly resembles Passer petronia."
66. COCCOTHRAUSTES CARNEIPES, HodgSOU.
Coccothraustes speculiyerus, Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Is met with in winter in district 3, and breeds and is resident in district 4.
Q7. Chlorospiza chloris (L ) ; Severtzoff, p. 64.
Horizontal range. Breeds and occurs in winter in district III.
Vertical range. Is found in winter in district 2, and breeds in district 3.
68. Fringilla montifringilla, L.; Severtzoff, pp. 64,116.
Horizontal range. Is found during passage in districts I., II., and III., and during winter in districts III. and IV.
Vertical range. Is found during passage in districts 2, 3, 4, and 5, and during winter in district 2.
Severtzoff writes (p. 116) as follows : — " In Turkestan there are two forms or varieties of the Brambling, viz. : — a, which has a light spot on the hind neck, this spot being white in the male and grey in the female ; b, in which the hind neck is dark-coloured. Otherwise both forms precisely resemble the European bird."
242 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
69. Fringilla c(elebs, L. ; SevertzoflF, p. 64. Horizontal range. Is found in winter in district III. Vertical range. Is founds but is rare^ during winter in dis- tricts 1 and 2.
70. MoNTiFRiNGiLLA FRiNGiLLOiDEs (Boie) (m?;a/^s, auctt.) . Fringilla nivalis, Severtzoflf, p. 64.
Horizontal range. Is found during the breeding-season and in winter in districts II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Is met with during winter in districts 2 and 3^ in district 4 during passage, and breeds in district 5.
71. Leucosticte BRANDTi, Bp. ; Severtzofif, p. 64. Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., and IV. Vertical range. Is possibly to be met with in districts 3 and
4 during winter, breeds, and is possibly resident in district 5.
72. LiNARIA CANNABINA (L.).
Acanthis cannabina, SevertzoflF, p. 64.
Horizontal range. Breeds and is also met with during the winter in districts I., II., and III., occurring in district IV. in winter only.
Vertical range. Is met with in winter in district 2, and breeds in districts 3 and 4.
Besides this species SevertzoflF includes Acanthis cannabina /3. bella, Bp., which has the same range as the typical form, except that it breeds in district IV.
73. LiNARIA FLAVIROSTRIS (L.).
Acanthis flavirostris, SevertzoflF, p. 64. Horizontal range. Occurs during winter in districts II. and III.
Vertical range. Occurs during winter in districts 1 and 2.
74. LiNARIA BOREALIS, Vicill.
Acanthis linaria, SevertzoflF, p. 64.
Horizontal range. Rare during winter in districts I., II., and III.
Vertical range. Occurs during winter in districts 1 , 2, and 3.
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 243
75. Carduelis orientalis (Eversm.) ; Severtzoff, pp. 61, 116.
Horizontal range. Breeds and is fouiid dm*ing winter in districts I., II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Occurs during winter in district 2, and breeds in districts 3 and 4.
Respecting this species Severtzoff writes (p. 116) as fol- lows : — " This bird is not merely a climatic variety of the European Goldfinch, from which it differs in lacking the black markings on the head, the yellowish brown on the back and on the breast being replaced by grey. Both species in- habit the same localities in the Thian-shan moiuitains ; and the distinctive characters were constant in all of the hundreds of specimens I exammed. The differences between Passer salicarius. and Passer domesticus are also constant, although these two Sparrows frequently inhabit the same localities, and are found in the same flock ; and they hold good not only in the autumn dress, but also in the full breeding-plumage."
76. Carduelis elegans, Steph. Carduelis europaus, Severtzoff, p. 64.
Horizontal range. Is found during winter, and possibly during the breeding-season, in districts I., IL, and III.
Vertical range. Occurs during winter in districts 2 and 3, and possibly breeds in districts 3 and 4.
77. Serinus pusillus (Pall.).
Oragithus pusillus, Pall. [0. ignifrons, Eversm.); Severt- zoff, pp. 64, 116.
Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Resident in district 3 ; breeds in district 4.
Severtzoff vrrites (p. 116) as follows : — "Eversmann^s Pyr- rhula {Serinus) ignifrons (afterwards united w^ith P. pusillus, Pallas, in the Nat. Hist, of the Orenb. District, iii. p. 309) was described from a Semirechik specimen ; and the Turkestan bird certainly differs from Pallas^s description of the Cau- casian form Having carefully examined many speci- mens, I find that, though the young differ from the adult, yet they do not agree with Pallas's description."
244 Mr. II. E. Dresser's Notes on
I will not transcribe the detailed description given by Se- vertzoflP, as it is sufficient to point out that the differences noticed by him are, that instead of greyish margins and tips to the feathers on the back^ shoulders, wings, tail, and under- parts, the Turkestan bird has these tips and margins reddish yellow both in the immature and adult plumage ; but in the former dress the yellow colour is duller and tinged with brown^ especially on the back. In the winter the extreme terminal portion of these margins is white, which is worn off in the spring and is never at any season sufficiently developed to cover and hide the yellow. He describes both the adult male and female as having a red frontal patch, and the young as lacking this and having the head dark brown, and not black, and the throat lighter. He suggests that Pallas's birds may have been preserved in spirits. To this I may add that I possess specimens from Asia Minor and the Caucasus, as well as from Yarkand, and find that they agree closely inter se, all having the margins of the feathers yellowish, and not white.
78. Pyrrhula europ^a, Vieill. Pyrrhula vulgaris, Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Rare diu'ing winter in district I. Vertical range. Found during winter in district 3.
79. Pyrrhula nepalensis (an sp. ?), Severtzoff, pp. 64, 117. Range the same as that of P. vulgaris.
Respecting this bird Severtzoff writes (p. 117) as follows : — " My young male obtained in the winter of 1865, near the mountains of Vernoe, was in error referred to Pyrrhula nepa- lensis, Gould (B. of Asia). An adult female, closely resem- bling European specimens, was killed at the same place. The young male is a trifle smaller than this female, has the abdo- men ashy grey, and no shade of red on the back ; and hence it was referred to P. nepalensis. It has, however, the head, wings, and tail black, with a metallic lustre, and there is a white bar across the wing, whereas P. nepalensis has the head and back similar in colour.^'
I have not had an opportunity of examining a specimen of this Bullfinch from Turkestan; but it appears to me
Sever tzoff's ' Fauna of Turkestan.' 245
highly probable that it is identical with Pyrrhula cineracea, a new species lately described by Cabanis from examples sent from Dauria by Dr. Dybowski.
80. Uragus sibikicus (Pall.) ; SevertzoflF, p. 64. Horizontal range. Occurs irregularly, being found during
the winter, and is said also to breed, in district I.
Vertical range. Is found during winter in district 3, and breeds in district 4.
81. Carpodacus rubicillus (Giild.) ; SevertzoflF, p. 64. Horizontal range. Resident in district I.
Vertical range. Possibly it occurs during winter in district 3, but is resident in district 4.
82. Carpodacus rhodochlamys (Brandt) ; Severtzoflf', p. 64. Horizontal range. Breeds, and also occurs during winter,
in districts I. and II., is rare during winter in district III., and is resident in district IV.
Vertical range. Is found during winter in districts 2 and
3, being, however, rare in the former, and breeds in district
4, where it is probably resident.
83. Carpodacus erythrurus, Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1, 2, and 3.
84. Erythrospiza incarnata, sp. nov. Severtzoff, pp. 64, 117.
Horizontal range. Resident in districts I. and II., and is found during winter, as also during passage (the latter, how- ever, but rarely) , in districts III. and IV.
The vertical range of this species is not given.
Severtzoff says that this species, which he names incarnata on account of the rose-colour which pervades the plumage becoming quite bright in summer, is more nearly allied to Erythrospiza githaginea than any other of the group. He describes it (p. 117) as follows : — "Bill stout, but not large; legs short, covered with six scutellse, two of which are short and broad, middle toe with claw equal in length to the tarsus ; the wings reach down to three fourths of the length
SEB, III. VOL. V. s
246 Mr. II. E. Dresser's Notes on
of the tail ; first and second primaries equal in length, being the longest ; in general form the bird is short and stout.
" (J ad. in autumn dress. Crown, back, and shoulders grey- ish sandy brown, with lighter edges and dark central lines ; hind neck and cheeks similar, but without dark lines ; su- perciliary region, throat, breast, and flanks carmine, with grey edges to the feathei's ; abdomen and under tail-coverts white, with a carmine tinge ; quills blackish brown, with light edges, which latter are grey on the lesser wing-coverts, and on the larger coverts are very broad, white, tinged with carmine to- wards the tips ; on the median coverts the margins are white, but the carmine is less developed ; hence on the wing are two white patches divided by carmine ; the primaries have whitish margins, which in a few are washed with carmine.
"The tail-feathers are blackish brown, with grey edges. The upper mandible is yellowish brown, the lower mandible light yellow ; legs are light brown ; iris dark brown.
"In spring all the rose-coloured feathers have become bright blood-red, and the whitish has changed to a snowy white colour, except the stomach and the under tail-feathers, which are protected from the sun. The rose-colour is brightest on the wings, paler on the throat, breast, superciliary region, flanks, and rump, where only the edges of the feathers are of that colour. The dark lines on the crown- and back-feathers change in spring into a darker colour ; and the edges of the grey feathers are lost by that time.
" The female is in spring and autumn of the same colour as the male, and diff'ers from it only by not having the rose colour on the flanks, the breast, and the median-coverts j also the white spots on the wings are smaller.
" The young male in the first autumnal plumage is like an old female; but it has no white edges on the large wing- coverts, which are of a brownish-red colour ; on the median coverts are only very narrow white edges, which do not form a white spot when the wing is closed.
" The young female bird in first autumnal plumage has scarcely any red colour at all, it being replaced by light grey, which is faintly shaded with red on the breast.
Severizoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 247
"Measurements. ^, length 6" 3-6'", extent 10"5"'-H"; ? , length 6" 2-A'" , extent 10" 4-5'", wing 3" 5'", tail 2" 1'", culmen 3i"', middle toe 5^'", tarsus 64'"-
" This hird is a resident in Turkestan, and is found after the breeding-season in flocks of from 50 to 100 individuals. It was killed at the end of September on the Issik-kul, in August and October on the Upper Narin, at an elevation of from 9000 to 10,000 feet ; in October and in the winter, however, it is not found higher than 2000 feet ; in the steppes, everywhere, in summer as well as in autumn and winter, we found this bird only near stony or clayey places. In autumn and spring it moves about very much, feeding on small seeds, and avoids the woods, and even the bushes. It runs very fast, although it has such short legs ; and it flies swiftly and well."
85. Erythrospiza sanguinea (Gould). Erythrospiza phcenicoptera, Severtzofl', p. 64. Horizontal range. Resident in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Rare in winter in district 2, resident in
district 3.
86. Erythrospiza obsoleta (Cab.) ; Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts III. and IV. Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1 and 2.
87. Emberiza cioides, Brandt (an sp. ?) ; Severtzoff', p. 64. Horizontal range. Common during passage in districts I.
and II., rare during winter in district III.
Vertical range. Rare during winter in district 2, common during passage in district 3, occurs during passage in districts 4 and 5, and possibly breeds in the former.
Of this species, which he marks with a query as possibly new, Severtzoff" gives no description, and I am therefore un- able to state what it is.
88. Emberiza cia, L. ; Severtzoff", p. 64.
Horizontal range'. Common during passage, and also breeds, in districts I. and II. ; breeds and occurs during winter in districts III. and IV.
Vertical range. Occurs in winter and during passage in
s 2
248 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
district 2, is common in district 3 during passage, and breeds there as well as in district 4_, and occurs during passage only in district 5.
89. Emberiza hortulana, L. ; Severlzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., and III. Vertical range. Rare during passage in district 1, and breeds
in districts 2 and 3.
90. Emberiza c^sia, Cretzschm. ; SevertzofF, p. 64. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Breeds in districts 2 and 3, being rare in
the former, and occurs during passage in districts 4 and 5.
Writing on this species, Severtzoff says (p. 117) that there are two forms of this Bunting in Turkestan — one (which he calls E. casia) which has a whitish throat, and another (which he calls E. rufibarba) with a light brown throat ; and he adds that he has seen several intermediate forms between these, and that there are therefore not two species. Both forms occur in the same locality ; and therefore the differences are not climatic.
91. Emberiza citrinella, L. ; SevertzofF, p. 64. Rare during winter near the Syr-Darja river.
92. Emberiza stewarti, B1. Emberiza caniceps, Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts III. and IV. Vertical range. Breeds in districts 3 and 4.
93. Emberiza leucocephala, Gm. Emberiza pithy ornis (an sp. ?), Severtzoff, p, 64. Horizontal range. Common during passage in districts I.
and II., and occurs during winter in districts III. and IV.
Vertical range. Occurs during winter in district 2, and during passage in districts 3, 4, and 5, being common in dis- trict 3 ; in district 4 it may possibly breed.
94. Emberiza schceniclus, L. ; Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Occurs in winter and during passage in
districts I., II., and III., and during winter in district IV.
Vertical range. Is found during winter in districts 1 and 2, and during passage in districts 2 and 3.
Sevtrtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 249
Embbriza pallasi, Cab.
Emberiza schceniclus /S. minor, Severtzoff, pp. 64^ 118.
Mr. Severtzoff remarks (p. 118) that he fully agrees with Herr von Homeyer in considering Emberiza polaris, Midd., a good species. He met with numbers of Reed-Buntings in Turkestan during passage, many of which belonged to the small form {E. pallasi) ; but he also obtained intermediate specimeus. E. polaris, however, he never met with. Both forms of Emberiza schceniclus {E. schceniclus and E. pallasi) were found consorting together in spring, from the end of January to the early part of March, near Chickment, and in the autumn, from the early part of October on the Issik- kul, and from the beginning of September near Aulje-ata. The measurements of E. pallasi he gives as " total length 6*2 to 6'4 inches, extent 9 0 to 9 6,'' and adds that it may be distinguished by the wing-coverts being light reddish brown, whereas in E. polaris they are greyish.
95. Emberiza pyrrhuloides. Pall. ; SevertzoflF, p. 64. Horizontal range. Sedentary in districts I., II., and III.;
but it is questionable if it is sedentary on the Issik-kul.
Vertical range. Sedentary in district 1, and breeds in dis- trict 3.
96. Emberiza miliaria, L. Emberiza miliaris, Severtzoff, p. 64.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts 11. and III., and oc- curs in district IV. during winter.
Vertical range. Sedentary in district 2, and breeds in dis- trict 3.
97. Emberiza pusilla. Pall. ; Severtzoff, p. 64. Horizontal range. Rare during passage in district I. Vertical range. Rare during passage in district 2.
98. Emberiza luteola. Lath. Euspiza brunniceps, Severtzoff, p. 64.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1, 2, and 3, and is com- mon in district 2.
250 Lord Waldcii and Major Godwin-Austen on some
99. Emberiza aureola. Pall. Euspiza aureola, Severtzoft*, p. 61.
It was observed during summer on the Syr-Darja river.
100. Plectrophanes nivalis (L.); SevertzoflF, p. 64. Horizontal range. Rare during winter in district III. Vertical range. Rare during winter in district 2.
[To be continued.]
XVI. — Descriptions of some supposed new Species of Birds. By Major Godwin-Austen, F.Z.S., and Arthur, Viscount Walden, F.R.S.
suthora munipurensis, u. sp.
Desc. Crown of head cinnamon-brown, becoming more oli- vaceous or fulvous green on back ; shoulder of wing greenish umber. Primaries black, the first four edged white, the rest crossed with a bright fulvous bar on the outer webs; the secondaries edged broadly with fulvous, and a few of the last tipped white on inner web. Tail ruddy fulvous at base, pa- ling towards the end, which is dusky and indistinctly barred, a broad supercilium black, lores and naiTow circle round the eye pure white. Ear-coverts and side of neck grey ; chin and throat black, merging into pearly grey and white on the breast ; under tail-coverts pui'e white.
Length 4*5 inches, wing 1-8, tail 2*4, tarsus -77, bill at front -28.
Obtained by Mr. William Robert, near Karakhul, Munipur hills.
Sphenocichla, n. g.* Bill longer than the head, conical, straight, and acute. Cul- men, from region of the nostrils to the forehead, much com- pressed; from nostril to apex swollen and flattened. Nostrils protected by a scale-like cover and shaded by dense nareal tufts. Commissure almost straight. Lower mandible flat-
* This may be the same genus as that named Hetcrorhynchits by Man- delli ; but if so, tliat title cannot stand, haviii<r been previously employed by Lafresnave.
fiupposed new Species of Birds. 251
sided; gonys broad, more flat than rounded, but slightly curved. Tarsus strong, moderately long ; hallux and elaw well developed; outer toes equal and but slightly shorter than the middle. Wing short, rounded ; first primary half as long as second ; second, third, and fourth about equal ; fifth longest. Outer pair of rectrices short ; next pair shorter than remainder.
Sphenocichla roberti.
General coloration throughout dark umber-brown, richer on the wings and tail, which are closely barred with black ; feathers of the nape and back edged with darker brown, and with an inconspicuous pale spot near tip; these spots are more defined on the side of the neck. The feathers of the throat, neck, and breast are lanceolate, with a white edging showing as V-shaped markings ; towards the abdomen these become less conspicuous, and only a few white spots dot the flanks. Bill grey, pale beneath and at tip.
Length about 6-5 inches ; wing 2*8 ; tail 3'0, tarsus -93, bill at front "87, depth at base '4.
Shot on Hemes Peak, North Cachar hills, and also in the Munipur hills.
This anomalous form has the structure of a Turdinus and the bill of a Stachyris.
ACRIDOTHERES ALBOCINCTUS.
Top of head glossy black, feathers rather elongated, and a white collar on back of neck ; back dull grey- black, with a slight green tinge, and with a tendency to purple on the shoulders and wing-coverts. Tail black with green reflections. Primaries black, white at base, forming a wing- band ; second- aries warm sepia-brown. Beneath dull but dark green- ish grey. Upper tail- coverts black, tipped white, and ar- ranged in bars. All the tail-feathers tipped with white, except the two centre ones. Bill and legs yellow.
Length about 9 inches, wing 5, tail 3" 5, tarsus l*-!, bill at front -91.
Appears numerous in Munipur valley, where the type was obtained.
252 Descriptions of some supposed new Species of Birds.
Pnoepyga roberti, n. sp.
Above olive-brown, each feather pale-centred and fringed or tipped with dark brown. Lores albescent. Between the eyes and the rictus black. A well-defined streak extending from above the eye down each side of the head, fulvous. Ear- coverts cinereous at base, brown towards the tips. Chin and throat pure white, each throat-feather being terminated by a small black triangular drop ; as the tips of the feathers over- lap, these drops form continuous black lines, the two principal ones descending from the angles of the under mandible. Cheeks ferruginous, each feather with a black terminal drop. Pectoral and abdominal feathers pale brown, with broad pure white or fulvous-white centres. Under tail-coverts bright ferruginous yellow. Plumage on the rump loose, soft, and dense, completely concealing the short tail, and being of an almost uniform ferruginous brown colour. Wings, when closed, dark chocolate-brown, most intense on the secondaries. Most of the wing -coverts distinctly tipped with almost pure white, so also the inner tertiary quills. Rectrices chocolate- brown. Mandibles dark brown. Legs pale horn-brown.
Bill from nostril 37 inch, wing 2'15, tarsus '75, tail 1-15.
Described from specimens obtained at Chakha, in the Mu- nipur hills, and also at Asalu.
In general appearance this bird closely resembles Turdinus brevicaudatus . The upper plumage of the two is almost identical. By its much smaller dimensions and diminutive tail, however, it can be readily distinguished. It is the Pnoe- pyga caudata, Blyth, apud Godwin- Austen (J. A. S. B. 1870, p. 101. no. 331).
Pnoepyga chocolatina, n. sp.
Above olive-brown, each feather fringed with a somcAvhat fainter tint, thus imparting a subdued scaly aspect to the back. Wings and tail chocolate-brown. Upper and under tail-coverts ferruginous brown, brightest on the under coverts. Lower surface generally ferruginous brown, many of the abdominal feathers being largely centred with white or ful- vous white. Pectoral feathers with minute terminal white
Birds of Prey at the Jardin des Plantes, ^c. 253
dropsj or some with narrow white or fulvous white ceutres. A few almost pure white feathers on the middle of the breast. Chin white ; gular feathers white^ with pale fulvous or ferru- ginous edges. Bill dark brown. Legs pale flesh-colour.
Bill from nostrils '25 inch^ wing 1*87^ tarsus -75, tail 1*75.
Described from a specimen obtained at Kedimai^ in the Munipur hills.
This species and P. longicaudatus constitute a section of the genus Pnoepyga^ in which the tail is fully developed.
XVII. — Contributions to a History of the Accipitres. Notes on Birds of Prey in the Museum at the Jardin des Plantes and in the Collection of Mons. A. Bouvier. By R. Bowdler Sharpe, F.L.S.j F.Z.S.^ &C.;, of the Zoological Department, British Museum.
I HAVE lately returned from a trip to Paris, which I made for the purpose of studying typical and obscure specimens of Strigidce, a propos of the second volume of my ' Catalogue of Birds/ shortly to appear. Everywhere I was received with the utmost hospitality ; and my thanks are due to Professor Milne-Edwards, M. Alphonse Milne-Edwards, and Dr. Ous- talet, for the courtesy with which they gave me every facility for prosecuting my studies. At the house of my friend M. Bouvier I found a most wonderful collection of birds ; and it will not be long before the " Maison Bouvier '' becomes as well known to the scientific world as the '' Maison Verreaux " used to be. By his kindness I have been allowed to bring to England many specimens of Accipitres, which I hope to write upon a little later; at present I must content myself with describing a remarkable new Scotopelia which I found in his collection. In addition I have the following notes to offer referring to some points which I consider likely to prove of interest to ornithologists : —
1. Circus macroscelis, Newton; Sharpe, Cat. B, i. p. 73. I have already described an adult bird of this apecies, re- ceived since the publication of my ' Catalogue ' [cf. Sharpe,
254 Mr. R. B. Sliarpc on Birds uf Prey in the
P. Z. S. 1875) ; and in my account of the Madagascar Har- rier I have stated my opinion that there is nothing to separate C. macroscelis of Madagascar from C. maillardi of Reunion, excepting the slightly larger size of the former and the appearance of bars on the upper tail-coverts and tail. The few doubts which existed in my mind as to the specific iden- tity of these two Harriers are now further diminished by the sight of a young Harrier brought from Madagascar by M. Grandidier, identical in plumage with immature Reunion birds, likewise in the Paris Museum. I believe, therefo7'e, that C. macroscelis must become a synonym of C. maillardi, the type specimen being probably an immature male in its second plumage. Two of the young birds from Reunion were commencing to get a somewhat striped appearance on the breast. A notice of these birds will be found in Mr. Gurney's paper in the present number, as I handed over to him a letter from Dr. Oustalet on the subject,
2. MACHiERHAMPHUS ANDERSSoNi (Gum.) ; Sharpc, /. c. p. 343.
The examples of this bird which I have hitherto examined in England have been three in number, viz. a Damara speci- men in the British Museum, a Madagascar bird in the same collection, and a third from Madagascar in the possession of Professor Newton. I have considered all these to be adults, but I now believe them to be young birds ; for M. Grandidier has presented to the Paris Museum the fully adult bird, which is entirely fuliginous, and closely resembles the Malaccan M. alcinus. The Paris example is also from Madagascar, making the third I have now seen from that island.
3. MiCROHIERAX SINENSIS.
Hierax sinensis, David, MSS. M. similis M. melanoleuco, sed torque collari albo distiii- guendus.
I examined two specimens of this pretty little Falconet, which seems to me to be a good species, closely allied to M. melanoleucus (Blyth), but differing in having a white nape- band, and in having more black on the sides of the body.
Museum at the Jardin des Plantcs, i^c. 255
Total length 7'2 iuclieSj culmen '55, wing 4"25, tail 2*8, tar- sus '9. Both of Pere David's specimens had the white nape- band, which I find is absent in Lord Walden's specimen of M. melunoleucus , which he has been kind enough to lend me ; nor is it mentioned in Mr. Hume's description of the species (Stray F. ii. p. 525).
4. Falco barbarus, L. ; Sharpe, /. c. p. 386.
I examined an adult specimen of this Falcon, shot by M. A, Bouvier dui'ing his expedition to the Cape-Verd Islands. He killed it in a lonely gorge in the mountains. A flock of St.-Jago Sparrows [Passer jagoensis) came suddenly in sight, the Falcon following in quick pursuit.
5. Cerchneis tinnunculus (L.) ; Sharpe, /. c. p. 425. The species named by Swainson Falco rufescens, from Se-
negambia, has been supposed by myself and other ornitho- logists to belong probably to the dark resident form of the Abyssinian highlands -, but I have now examined a series of Kestrels, received direct from Senegal by M. Bouvier, and I can aflfirm that they are nothing but the ordinary Kestrel of Europe, which doubtless goes to Senegal in winter.
6. Cerchneis naumanni (Fleisch) ; Sharpe, /. c. p. 435. Sent by the same collector from Senegal to M. Bouvier
were several specimens of the Lesser Kestrel, which is thus introduced for the first time as a West-African bird. His correspondent informed M. Bouvier that they were not re- gular migrants, and only came when there were plenty of locusts, which they followed in flocks along with Nauclerus riocouri. The latter was also a bird of irregular and rare ap- pearance ; but on the present occasion he obtained five of each species out of the flock.
7. Bubo sinensis, Heude, Ann. Sc. Nat. (5) xx. art. 2.
I examined the type of this species : it has still remains of nestling-plumage and is covered with down, but it is sufii- ciently advanced to allow of its being identified at once with Bubo coromandus; it is therefore not new to science, but is of interest as being the first instance of this bird's occurrence in China.
256 Mr. R, B. Sharpe on Birds of Prey in the
8. Syrnium DAViDi, sp. n,
Ptynx fulvescens, David, N. Arch. Mus. vii. Bull. p. 4. S. simile *S^. nivicolo sed multo majus et saturatius : supra- caudalibus ct cavida basali immaculatis distinguendum. Long. tot. 20, alje 14*6, caud. 10*4, tars. 2-1.
Soon after commencing my studies on Owls, Pere David pointed out to me that he was convinced that he had shot two species of Syrnium at Moupin, one of which was the true S. nivicolum, and the other had been determined by M. Jules Verreaux as Ptynx fulvescens*, and still bore this identification in his own handwriting. On comparing the Moupin example with a specimen of the latter, shot by Pere David in Pekin, it was easily seen that the two species were distinct ; for S. rufescens belongs to the groups of S. uralense and S. nebu- losum, and has, like them, a light-coloured disk, finely irro- rated with circular bars of darker brown. The Moupin Owl, on the contrary, has a dusky brown and mottled countenance, so that it comes much nearer to S. nivicolum. The uniform upper tail-coverts distinguish it as regards plumage ; and its size is very much larger ; there are also many other slight differences.
The specimen is a male ; and I therefore give the dimen- sions of a pair of the true <S^. nivicolum, shot by Pere David in Moupin : — ? , total length 15*5 inches, wing 12*8, tail 8"3, tarsus 2*0; (J, total length 15, wing 11*6, tail 7'5.
It will thus be seen that the male of S. davidi is larger than the female of S. nivicolum. I am indebted to the cour- tesy of Professor Alphonse Milne-Edwards for permission to describe this new species, which forms part of the ornitholo- gical collection in the Paris Museum.
9. NiNox FuscA (Vieill. N. Diet. vii. p. 22) . This little Owl, the type of which was known to be in the Paris Museum, has always puzzled ornithologists, and baffled
* This species is described in the text of the ' Fauna Japonica ' as S. rufescens, and as S. fuscescem on the plate. It ought therefore to be called Sip-nium rufescens. It is the more necessary to determine the cor- rect title of the species, because there is a Syrnirmi fulvescens of Sclater and Salvin, from Central America.
Museinn at the Jar din des Plantes, ^c. 257
even the acumen of Dr. Pucheran [cf. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1849, p. 20). I was delighted therefore to be able to deter- mine it at once as the same as Ninox guteruhi (Miiller) — the locality " Antilles " being evidently a mistake, as the species really comes from Timor. The title of Miiller^s falls as a synonym; and the species will stand as N.fusca (V.). This specimen is the type of Strixfusca, Vieill., and Strix maugoii, Temm. (PI. Col. 46).
10. NiNOx VABiEGATA (Quoy & Gaim. Voy. de FAstr. Zool. 1. p. 166, pi. i. fig. 2).
The types of this species show that it is closely allied to N. squamipila of Ceram, but differs in having the ear-coverts rufous brown, like the head, while the under surface is white, broadly barred with orange-rufous, the bars being about equal to the intervening interspaces ; the under wing-coverts exactly resemble the breast.
11. NiNOx HUMERALis (Hombr. & Jacq. Voy. Pole Sud, Zool. p. 53, pi. iv. fig. 1).
This is a very fine species, of the same group as N. strenua of Australia, but smaller and distinguished by its black ear- coverts and orange under surface, which is regularly barred with reddish brown.
12. NiNox T^NiATA (Hombr. & Jacq. Voy. Pole Sud, Zool. p. 50, pi. iii. fig. 1).
The type is said to have come from the Solomon Islands, and is distinguished from all other members of the genus by its uni- form cream-coloured under surface. I doubt, however, if the specimen is really adult ; and if not, it will be necessary to see the full-plumaged bird before determining its exact position. The regularly barred upper surface, however, is sufiicient to distinguish it from all others of the same size ; and I take it to be quite a distinct species.
Having now studied attentively the genera Carine, Ninox, and Glaucidium, the characters for distinguishing which will appear in my forthcoming volume of the ' Catalogue of Birds,' I think it not unadvisable to give a detailed list of the species
258 Mr. li. B. Sliarpe on Birds of Prey in the
which I would refer to these three genera. Those marked with a dagger (f) I have never seen.
1. Carine, Kaup.
1. Carine noctua (L.). Europa.
2. glaux (Sav.). Africa bor., Palest., Persia.
3. plumipes (Swinhoe) ■^. Asia centr., Thibet, Mon- golia, N. China.
4. brama (Frankl.). Ind. peninsula.
fS. pulchra (Hume). Burmah, Pegu.
t6. spilogastra (Heugl.). Samchara.
2. NiNox, Hodgs.
1. Ninox lugubris, Tick. Himalaya. 2. hirsuta (Temm.) . Ceylon.
3. japonica (T. & S.). Japan, China, Malacca,
Malasia.
4. obscura, Hume. Inss. Andaman, Nicobars.
5. affinis, Tytl. Inss. Andaman.
6. ochracea (Schl.). Celebes.
7. boobook (Lath.). Austr. merid.
8. ocellata (H. & J.). Austr. bor. et occid.
9. fusca (V.). Timor.
flO. theomacha (Bp.). Nova Guinea.
fll. dimorpha (Salvad.). Nova Guinea.
12. maculata (V. & H.). Tasmania.
13. nova zealandioi (Gm.). Nova Zealandia.
tl4. forsteri (Hartl.). Ins. Tonga.
15. connivens (Lath.). Austr.
16. rvfistrigata (Gray) . Ins. Gilolo.
17. strenua (Gould). Austr. bor.
18. humeralis (H. & J.). Nova Guinea.
19. franseni (Schl.). Ins. Waigiou.
20. aruensis (Schl.). Ins. Aru.
t21. hoedti (Schl.). Inss. Mysol, N. Guinea.
* This may turn out to be Carine hactriana (Hutton), as Hodgson's Thibetan specimen is the same as the North-China bird ; but Hutton does not mention the feathering' of the toes.
Museum at the Jardbi des Plantes, ^c. 259
23. Ninox punctulata (Q. & G.). Celebes.
23. squamipila (Bp.). Ins. Ceram.
24. variegata (Q. & G.). Ins. Novae Hibern.
25. hantii (Wall.). Ins. Bouru.
26. hypogrumma (Gray). Ins. Batcliian.
27. taniata (H. & J.). Inss. Solomon.
28. superciliaris (V.). Madagascar,
3. Glaucidium, Boie.
1. Glaucidium passerinum (L.). Europa.
2. gnoma, Wagl. Am. centr.^ Am. bor. et merid.
3. griseiceps, Sharpe. Guat.^ Am. centr.
4. pumilum (Temm.). Brazil.
5. nanum (King). Chili.
6. cobanense, Sharpe. Guatemala.
7. fei^ox (V.). Am. merid.
8. phalcenoides (Daud.). Ins. Trinit.
9. ridgwayi, Sharpe. Am. centr., Am. bor. et merid.
10. jardinii, Bp. Nova Granada.
11. siju, WOrh. Cuba.
12. tephronotum, Sharpe. Am. merid. (?)
13. brodiei (Burt.). Himal., China.
14. pardalotum (Swinh.). Formosa.
15. sylvaticum (Miill.) Sumatra.
16. capense (Smith). Afr. merid.
tl7. leucopse (Hartl.)"^. Ins. St. Thomas.
18. occipitale (Temm.). Africa.
19. castanopterum (Horsf.) . Java.
20. castanonotum (Blyth) . Ceylon.
21. radiatum (Tick.). Penins. India.
22. malabaricum (Blyth) . Malabar.
23. cuculoides (Vig.). Himal., Siam.
24. whitelyi (Blyth) . China, Japan.
With regard to the genus Glaucidium, I may mention that I examined a large series of specimens, both in the Paris Mu-
* I am not sure if this species is correctly placed in this genus, never having seen it, and I follow Mi*. G. R. Gray.
260 Birds of Prey at the Jardin des Plantes, ^c.
seam aud iu the collection of M. Bouvier. In both these were specimens of a little Owl from Vera Paz — the one in the Mu- seum having being obtained by M. Bocourt during the French Expedition to Mexico, while the other was received direct from the above locality by M. Bouvier. These two speci- mens agree with the form previously mentioned by me {antea, p. 47) as being in the Salvin-and-Godman collection ; and having now seen six examples, all from Vera Paz, I can no longer believe them to be the young of G. ridgwayi, and so propose to call the bird Glaucidium cobanense. There is also in the British Museum a very pretty little Glaucidium which seems to be undescribed, and for which I propose the title
Glaucidium tephronotum, sp. n. G. suprk plumbeum, collo postico maculis albis vix celatis ornato: pileo dorsoque concoloribus plumbeis: supercilio albo indistincto : genis anticis albicantibus, regione pa- rotica fuscescenti-plumbea : gutture et corpore subtus medialiter albicante, pectore et abdomine longitudinaliter brunneo striatis : corporis lateribus et cruribus oranino vinascenti-rufis : subalaribus fiavicanti-albidis, exteriori- bus viuascentibus et minute brunneo uotatis : tectricibus alarum superioribus absque dorso concoloribus, tectrici- bus majoribus primariisque paullo brunnescentibus, re- migibus intus basaliter flavicanti-albidis brunneo fasci- atis : Cauda nigricante, rectricibus omnibus maculis magnis ovalibus albis distincte notatis : rostro et pedibus flavis. Long. tot. 7*5, alse 4'05, caudse 3, tarsi 0"75. I am unfortunately ignorant of the exact habitat of this pretty little species ; but it is said to be from " South Ame- rica.^' It was presented to the British Museum by Mr. W. Wilson Saunders, F.K.S.
The last novelty that I have to introduce is not the least interesting, being a third example of the genus Scotopelia, which I propose to call
Scotopelia bouvieri, sp. n.
S. minor, vix S. ussheri magnitudine sequalis : pedibus graci-
libus : suprk fuscescenti-brunnea, ubique minutissime
transversim fulvo vermiculata ; pileo paullo pallidiore :
subtus fulvescens, late nigro striata : rostro corneo, ad
Recently pudlis/ied Ornitholoyical Works. 261
basin flavicante : uiiguibus oorneis. Loug. tot. 17 poll., culm, rs, alse 130, caud. S'O, tars, 2-2.
Hab. Lope, Ogowe river, Gaboon.
This species is even smaller than Scotopelia ussheri, Sharpe, and is at once distinguislied by its vermiculated upper surface, both from that species and S. jjeli. It has more the aspect of a true Ketupa ; but I can discover no trace of auricular tufts. This fine and unexpected novelty was discovered during the recent expedition of the Marquis de Compiegne and M. Marche into the interior of Gaboon, which has resulted in the explo- ration of hitherto unknown tracts ; and as the funds for this expedition were found by my friend M. Bouvier, I have dedi- cated this species to him, in appreciation of his zeal in the cause of science.
XVIII. — Notices of recently published Ornithological Works.
The introduction of a new illustrated ornithological perio- dical"^, and that in the form of a quarto, is an incident of so uncommon occurrence, that we hasten to draw the attention of our readers to Mr. Rowley's ' Ornithological Miscellany,' the first number of which bears the date of January of the present year. As this work is undertaken by a member of the B.O.U., and is dedicated to the members of our fraternity, it behoves us to take special interest in its success. In the first place we may congratulate Mr. Rowley, not without feel- ings of envy, at his freedom from the usual trammels of edi- torial ties. He binds himself to no particular branch of his subject, nor yet to dates of issue, nor does he state the num- ber of Parts he expects to produce. All then we have to do with is Part I. ; and this treats solely of New-Zealand birds. Mr. Rowley seems to us to make out an excellent case why Apteryx haasti, Potts, should be considered a species distinct from A. oweni ; and four plates, drawn by Mr. Keule- mans, show the differences between them. Of the rarer bird Mr. Rowley has examples of both sexes, as well as the young,
* Ornithological Miscellany. By George Dawson Rowley, M.A., F.Z.S. 4to, Plates. Part I. .Tan. 18/5 : London and Brighton.
SER. III. VOL. V. T
262 Recently pnhHshed Onntholoyical Works.
and is tlms in an excellent position to pronounce decidedly upon tlie subject. Besides figures of these species, one is given of the young of A. australis of Shaw. Mr. Rowley^s sixtli plate gives figures of the feathers of several species of Struthious birds. These well show the different styles of the markings of the two groups of Ai)teryges ; and with these are contrasted the feathers of Dromceus and Cusuarius with their elongated axillary shafts. The wide distinction between Ap- teryx and the Australian Struthiones , indicated by the struc- ture of their feathers, is one that is becoming constantly more appreciated by ornithologists, and Avhich the examination of fresh points in their structure seems to force into stronger pro- minence. The final plate of this Part is devoted to a variety of Nestor meridi07iatis, in which the normal colouring has given place to white, the red markings retaining pretty much their usual character. In his letterpress Mr. Rowley has brought together a good deal of information respecting the different birds on which he writes, and has added many sug- gestive notes. The plates have all been drawn by Mr. Keu- lemans, and are excellent examples of his skill.
The merits of Gilbert White's 'Natural History of Sel- borne ' ^ are, we doubt not, so well known to our readers, that any remarks of ours on them would be out of place ; what we have to do with now concerns the present edition and the manner and circumstances of its production. The acquisi- tion of a number of Bewick^s woodcuts by the owners of the copyright of Bennett^s edition of White's ' Selborne,' in- spired the idea of illustrating this well-known work with woodcuts of an equally well-known wood-engraver and natu- ralist; and Mr. Harting was aj^plied to to edit the volume. Mr. Harting's part has been judiciously performed ; for in curtailing the lengthy notes of his predecessor he has brought
* The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, in the county of Southampton. By the Rev. Gilbert White, M.A. Standard edition, by E. T. Bennett. Thoroughlj' revised, with additional Notes, by James Edmund Harting, F.L.S. Szq. Illustrated with engravings by Thomas Bewick, Harvey, and other*. 8vo. London: 187o (Bickers & Son).
Recently published Oi'iiitlioloyical IVorks. 2G3
them to bear more directly upon the text, and such notes as he has added of his own are concisely written, as notes should be, and strictly to the point. In his own preface Mr. Hart- ing has contrasted the neighbourhood of Selborne as it now exists with the features it presented in White's time, not only as regards the state of cultivation of the land, but also Avith respect to the changes which have taken place in the compa- rative rarity or the reverse of different animals mentioned in White's pages. The chief features of White's life are alluded to, and also brief biographies of his well-known correspon- dents. Pennant and Barrington, and his early commentators, Markwick and Aikin. All White's own notes are entered ; and the text has been carefully collated with the original quarto edition. A useful index is added to the volume. The woodcuts ascribed to Bewick are characteristic of the work of that famous artist, but they cannot be said to be the best of his productions -, still the book, being carefully got up and printed in clear type on good paper, makes a very nice volume.
The fifth volume of the ' Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Genoa' contains an important work by oui" Foreign Member, Count Salvadori, entitled " Catalogo siste- matico degli Uccelli di Borneo con note ed osservazioni di G. Doria ed O. Beccari." In it we find a complete account of the birds of Borneo, so far as they were known up to the time of the issue of the work. In his introduction. Count Salva- dori treats of the scattered knowledge possessed of the orni- thology of this important island, and of the number of species recorded from the explorations of various travellers. He then gives a chart of the distribution of Bornean birds, with refer- ence to those of the adjoining islands, as well as a sketch of its physical geography, and finishes his preface with an account of the method he has employed in carrying out his work.
In his account of each species very full synonymy is given, as well as ample references. A complete sketch of tlie dis- tribution of each species, particularizes with great care all the localities where Bornean birds have occurred in countries adjoining the one on which he writes; and, lastly, notes on
264 Recently published Ornithological Works.
the synonymy of every bird mentioned are given, and on the habits of such species as fell under the observation of the Marchese di Doria or Signer Beccari.
The total number of Bornean birds recorded is 392 ; but, be- sides these, a number of others are inserted in their places which may reasonably be supposed to exist in the island, but which have not as yet been actually observed. Considering the com- paratively small extent of this large island which has been explored, and also its undoubted connexion with the rich Indo-]Malayan region, and the variety of its physical con- ditions, a considerable addition to the birds of Borneo may some day be reasonably looked for. Count Salvadori^s work brings the large increase of at least 100 species to what was previously recorded, and will doubtless tend to further very materially the study of Bornean birds. Even since it was published we have a remarkable addition in the singular Pheasant recently described by Mr. Sharpe as Lobiophasis bulweri, a figure of it being included in Mr. Gould's recently published part of his ' Birds of Asia.' Mr. Sharpe has also recorded a few additions in a paper on a Bornean collection of birds read before a recent meeting of the Zoological Society.
Count Salvadori describes several new species in his work, besides making some alterations in nomenclature. Thus we have Jyngipicus fusco-albidus proposed (p. 42) for Picus varie- yatus, Wagler ; Capi'imulgus borneensis, Wall., MS., is de- scribed for the first time (p. 117) ; Dicceum nigrimentum is a new species (p. 165), as are also Orthotomus borneoensis (p. 247) and Prinia siiperciliaris (p. 249). The following generic names are also introduced: — Callolophus tor Picus puniceus, Horsf., P. mentalis, Temm., and P. malaccensis, Lath. ; Arach- nophila for Nectarinia simplex, Miill. ; Tricholestes for Bra- chypodius criniger, Blyth; Cyanoderma for Timelia erythro- ptera, Blyth, and Myiothera melanothorax , Temm.; and Ortho- rhamphus for (Edicnemus magnirostris, Geoflfr.
Six (including frontispiece) plates of rather unequal exe- cution illustrate the following eight species : — Pityriasis gyni- nocephala, Chotorea mystacophonus, Pei'icrocotus ardens, Pitta hertce, Setariapectoralis , Jyngipicus auranteiventris, Tricholestes
Recently published Ornitholoyical Works. 265
minutus, and Kenopia striata. Lastly, a copious index of no less than forty-eight pages concludes this work, which must be considered of first-rate importance in its bearing on our knowledge of the ornithology of the islands of the Indian archipelago.
The nnmerous notes relating to the nests and eggs of Indian birds communicated to him by his correspondents are con- tinued by Mr. Hume in a second part of his ' Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds ' *, which has lately reached us. A third, not yet to hand, was expected to be ready in December last. Besides original matter, many extracts are given bearing upon the subjects treated of; so that the path of the Indian orni- thologist is greatly smoothed when desirous of breaking fresh ground.
We have not detected any descriptions of new species in this volume; but one new generic name {Pycnorhamphus) is in- troduced, with Hesperophona icterioides, Vigors, as the type, but of which no characters are given {cf. Gray, H.-l. ii. p. 88).
We have also received two small works by M. Neree Que- part, to which we would draw attention. One f contains a full account of the Goldfinch {Carduelis elegans), both as regards its history, habits, mode of capture, and other points of inter- est. The other J is a catalogue of the resident and migratory birds found in the environs of Paris. In this catalogue only fifty-three species are included (a very small number it seems to us), though the exclusion of stragglers doubtless makes the total considerably less than if they were also enumerated.
Since we announced the first two livraisons of M. Mulsant^s work on the Trochilidse§ in October last (Ibis, 1874, p. 453),
* Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds. By Allan Hume. Rough Draft, Part II. Large 8vo, pp. 237-480. Calcutta : 1874.
t Monographie du Chardonneret. Par N^ree Quepart. Svo. Paris : 1873.
J Omithologie Parisienne ou Catalogue des Oiseaux sedentaires et de passage qui vivent a I'etat sauvage dans I'enceinte de la ville de Paris. Par Neree Quepart. 12mo. Paris : 1874.
§ Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-Mouclies ou Colibris coustituant la famille des Trochilidds. Par E. Mulsant et feu Edouard Verreaux. Ou-
266 Recently published Ornithological Works,
two more livraisotis have been issued. These complete the first volume of the work, and include the account of the genus Aithurus according to jNI. INIuIsaut's arrangement.
Having already referred to the object and execution of the work itself, we will confine ourselves to noticing a few points that occur to us in reading M. Mulsant's pages.
Shaw's name, Lampornis jwrphyrurus , for the well-known Jamaican Humming-bird, which Mr. Elliot identified with the true L. mango of Linnseus, is adopted by M. Mulsant. Though we entirely sympathize with the author in this and all such cases where changes of names are sought to be made, we cannot but feel the strength of Mr. Elliot's position. The brief Linnsean diagnosis must not only be interpreted by re- ference to Albin (an imtrustworthy authority, never to be for- given for drawing a Sanderling with a long hind toe !), but also note must be taken of the weighty authority of Sloane and Brisson ; and these point to the Jamaican bird as the true mango of Linnaeus. M. Mulsant rests his case upon the render- ing of the words viridis nitens of the Linnsean diagnosis, which certainly do apply more accurately to the continental species.
In giving the distribution of Lampornis [Chalybura) isaurce, M. Mulsant mistakes Santa Fe in Veragua for the well-known Santa Fe de Bogota. The bird has never been seen out of the district of Veragua, or (as it should be more properly called) the State of Panama. M. Mulsant is also inaccurate in stating that Arce obtained specimens of Lampornis {Chaly- bura) urochrysea in Veragua ; we have not yet been fortunate enough to meet with specimens in collections from that dis- trict. Of L. calosoma the locality remains as yet undetermined, though M. Mulsant states it to be New Granada. For this species he suggests the subgeneric name Crinis. We notice that Doryfera ludovicice is said to be found in Veragua; this is a mistake, the species being D. veraguensis. Eight plates accompany these parts, including drawings of Doryfera eu- phrosince, Thalurania lerchi, Oreonympha nobilis, and Diphlo- gcsaa hesperus, none of which has been figured before.
vrage publie par la Society Liuneenne de Lyon. 4to: livraisons 3, 4. Paris: 1B74.
Letters, Announcements, ^t. 267
XIX. — Letters, Announcements, ^-c.
The following letters, addressed " To the Editor of ' The Ibis/ " have been received : —
Bulle, le 1" Fevrier 1875.
Monsieur, — Je vous envoie la description de deux oiseaux que vous m^obligeriez beaucoup d'inserer dans le prochain numero de FIbis.
II s'agit d'abord de la rehabilitation d'une espece de Brehm sur laquelle M. J. Vian vient d^attirer mon attention. Les observations de cet eminent ornithologiste que je vous rap- porte ici dissiperont certainement tons les doutes a cet egard.
C^est le Mormon grabce decrit pour la premiere fois par Brehm, Handbuch, p. 999.
Peut-etre pourrait-on lui reunir le Mormon fratercula du meme auteur, dont il diftere peu.
Voici la description du M. graba de Brehm, completee par celle de M. J. Vian.
Bee offrant an devant de la membrane nasale 3 bourrelets et 4 sillons, assez eleve au devant du front, ou il est etroit ; assez eleve au dessus de Fos frontal, mais ne depassant pas le dernier bourrelet.
C^est le plus petit de tons les oiseaux de ce genre ; il se rap- prochc du M. fratercula par la forme de son bee. Mais il s'en distingue par la taille, qui est beaucoup plus petite.
Le M. grabm est le plus meridional de tons les Macareux ; car il habite les Feroe et d^autres iles voisines. On le voit aussi tres -sou vent en hiver sur les cotes allemandes nord- ouest de la mer du nord et sur celles de Hollande. C'est le plus commun des Macareux dans TEurope centrale.
M. J. Vian ajoute, " Je crois que le M. grabce est une espece particulierc, ct Tespece de Erance. Voici ses dimen- sions principales d'apres uu sujet choisi comme etant des plus adultes sur plusieurs milliers (il y en avait de quoi charger un navire) trouves morts le lendemain d\ine tempete sur les rivages dc la mer dans les Basses-Pyrenees, le 20 Sept. 1873.
" Seulement, il est etonnant que le type fran9ais soit pre- cisement celui des iles Eeroe.
2G8 Letters, Announcements, S^c.
M. f/raJice M. nrcfica
de Franco, du Gi'oeuland.
millim. niilliui.
Long 270 350
Aile 150-500 100-500
Tarses 24 30
Doigt med. avec I'ougie 40 47
Bee a partir du front 40 52
Bee a partir des commissures 35 43
Sa hauteur nioyenne 28 35
" Le M. grahcR de France n'a pas de hourrelet a la base de la mandibule superieure, notamment eiitre cette mandi- bule et le front. Le bee est de 0'",004 en surelevation du front, et il existe uu creux entre eux. II n'a pas de rosace aux commissures, pas de membrane cornee aux yeux. Son bee est beaueoup moins eleve, et ses dimensions sont infe- rieurs de ^. La mandibule inferieure est, pour ainsi dire, tronquee en dessus a sa base. La marque grise se prolonge en pointe jusqu'a la nuque, ou les pointes se rejoignent, de maniere k former une calotte sur le vertex.
" Les naturalistes-preparateurs de Paris ne le re9oivent pas autrcment en chair, et ne depouillent jamais le veritable M. arctica.
" J^ai eu en chair le 22 Dec. et fin Janvier le M. grabee avec un bee moitie plus etroit, sans sillons, et de taille encore plus petite de \, raais en plumage complet; il etait moins grand qu^un poussin de M. arctica encore en duvet du Labrador; le bee etait plus developpe dans les poussins."
L'autre espece que je crois nouvelle appartient an genre ^githalus. Mais comme je puis bien me tromper, j'en donne seulement la description, lai|»sant a d^mtres le soin de lui donner un nom s'il y a lieu^.
^ . Diftere de yi^g. pendulimis en ce que le dessus de la tete et du cou est d'un beau roux chatain jusqu^au manteau. A partir de la, le bas du dos et le croupion sont d^un blan- chatre lave de cette derniere couleur, mais plus claire. Rec- trices grisatres, a bordures blanches, tres-larges, ce qui fait
* [This species is most probably one recently described by SevertzofF as ^ylthahis vastaneus (' Turkestanskie Jevotuie,' p. 136 j. — Ed.]
Letters, Announcements, i^c. 269
paraitre la queue presque blanclie. Remiges a bordnres ex- ternes blanches et tres-larges. Sur la poitrine existent des meclies d'un chatain fonce. Long. tot. 0°^156 environ.
? . Plus petite que le male^ dont clle ne difFere que par itfi teintes, et surtout le marron du derriere du cou, beaucoup moins vives. Dessus de la tete blancliatre. Bee couleur de corne.
Hab. Russie meridionale.
Ces deux notices sont extraites d'un ouvrage assez consi- derable auquel j^ai travaille depuis plusieurs annees. J'avais entrepris de rediger une Revue des Oiseaux de la France, augmentee des descriptions d^un grand nombre de leurs con- species exotiques. J'aurais desire publie cet ouvrage, auquel j'ai donne tons les soins dont j'ai ete capable. Mais des ob- stacles serieux pouvant faire echouer mon projet, je serai toujours heureux que son titre au moins ne soit pas perdu. C^est pourquoi je vous prie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien I'an- noncer dans VIbis. Le titre que j^ai adopte jusqu^k present est le suivant, que je pourrais changer au besoin : — ' Revue general des Oiseaux de la France, ou Manuel d'Ornithologie,'' comprenant les especes qui se reproduisent en France ou qui s'y montrent le plus regulierement de passage, ainsi que la description des especes exotiques les plus voisines des indi- genes, ou susceptibles d'etre confondues avec elles. Recevez, Monsieur, Fassurance
de ma consideration tres-distinguee,
Leon Olphe-Galliard.
lltli March, 1875. Sir, — With reference to ray remarks on the races of the Condor in the last number of 'The Ibis' (pp. 91, 92), I wisli to mention that there is now living in the gardens of the Zoo- logical Society an adult male Condor which does not entirely agree with either the large-combed or the small-combed race, Mr. Bartlett writes respecting it that it " is much smaller than the birds brought to England by Mr. Weisshaupt ; the comb and wattles are less developed ; it appears to me to be very intermediate betAveen the small and large birds." The
SER. III. VOL. V. u
270 Letters, Announcements, i^-c.
character of the comb and wattles in this specimen, though by no means so fully developed as they were in the large Chilian male purchased by the Society in June 1870, seem nevertheless to approach more nearly to those of the large- combed than of the small-combed race; but the general di- mensions of the bird agree (so far I could judge by the eye) with the latter.
Dr. Sclater has been so good as to inform me that Lieut. Clive Strachey, who presented this specimen to the Zoolo- gical Society, wrote from Tome, on the coast of Chile, to say that the bird came '' from the Cordilleras/^
I am &c.,
J. H. GURNEY.
Sib, — Among a number of very interesting species of birds recently collected in Munipur, and intrusted to my charge by Major Godwin-Austen, is a specimen of Palceornis melano- rhynchus, Wagler, in luteous plumage. With the exception of the breast, which is tinted with the rosy plum-colour found in the normal plumage, the whole bird is bright canary- yellow. The rosy breast-feathers, however, are normally co- loured only at their termination ; far underneath they too are bright yellow, an indication of that colour being only obser- vable in the breast-plumage of the normal dress.
Yours,
Walden.
Chisleliurst, March 1875.
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C, March 13th, 1875.
Sir, — The history of Gymnocitta cyanocephala, given by me not long since in this Journal*, contained no account of the nest and eggs, these being at that time undiscovered. The account may now be completed, the required information having been satisfactorily contributed by Mr. C.E. Aikeu, of Colorado Territory, U. S., a portion of whose article upon the subject, in the 'American Sportsman^ (newspaper) of this
* Ibis, 1872, p. 152.
Letters, Announcements, ^c. 271
date, is transcribed, as the original publication is not likely to come under the notice of many readers of ' The Ibis/ and as it is desirable that the same Journal should complete the history of the species.
''Although Maximilian's Jay is quite a common bird in many parts of the west, .... its eggs have never been de- scribed, though a nest containing young was found several years ago by Mr. Robert Ridgway [on a low range of hills east of Carson City, Nevada, late in March or early in April of 1868, at which time the young were already flying, as I am informed by Mr. Ridgway, who corroborates the accuracy of Mr. Aiken's observations on the nidification. — E. C.]. On the 12th of May, 1874, I sallied forth with the determination to find, if possible, the nest of this bird. From the fact that these Jays always show a preference for the piiion-clad hills, it is natural to suppose that they would breed among them ; and as they are at all times gregarious, I inferred that they would breed in communities; and so it proved. I chose for my field of search a high rocky tract of mesa country, well clothed with pinon and cedar, that lies just at the point where the three counties of El Paso, Pueblo, and Fremont meet, and searched a whole day without success. Continuing my search next day in the same vicinity, I chanced to spy in the fork of a pinon tree a nest, which, as I viewed it from the ground, I concluded to be the very one I was looking for; and as I prepared to ascend the tree all doubts in the matter were set at rest by my seeing the parent bird fly stealthily away. Hastily climbing to the nest and looking eagerly into it, I found, not the wished-for eggs, but a half-fledged nest- ling. This was rather disappointing ; but a careful scrutiny of all the trees within a circuit of fifty rods, resulted in the finding of four nests, one of which repaid all my previous trouble ; for it contained five eggs unknown to science. Those of you who have had similar experiences can imagine my de- light as I first gazed upon these treasures.
" The eggs are of a plump oval form, and five in number. The colour is a very pale greenish blue, plentifully sprinkled everywhere with specks of brown and pale lilac, which con-
272 Letters, Announcements, S^c.
gregate and become blended at the larger end. Of the origi- nal five, three (which I still retain) measure respectively as follows— Ml X -88, 1-12 X 'S7, MS x "88 inch. The nest— a somewhat bulky structure — is composed outwardly of dried twigs, and inwardly of soft bark fibres, and a peculiar grey pulpy substance, Avhicli resembles the film to be foimd on the surface of very old weather-worn boards."
Very truly youi's, Elliott Coues. P.S. The same newspaper contains accounts of the notable occurrence, in Massachusetts, oiXema sabinii and Mimuspoly- glottus — both of which are interesting items, although not wholly unexpected. All three of the articles are stated to have been read before the " Nuttall Ornithological Club " of Cambridge, Mass., — a promising yomig association, from which we shall doubtless hear more in due time ; and 1 am sure you will join me in wishing it abundant success.
Sir, — Some tendency towards that interest in Arctic disco- very which was once taken by all Englishmen having been of late called forth, I may perhaps be allowed to record in ' The Ibis,' without any chance of off'ending its readers, the addition of two species to the casual avifauna of Spitsbergen. Last summer Mr. Arthur Campbell visited that country ; and the sailors of his vessel saw a Raven there, while a Swallow was observed by three of his party in Coal Harbour. Neither this gentleman nor any of his companions, I understand, pro- fess themselves to be expert ornithologists ; but with regard to two such well-known birds I cannot conceive that any mis- take has been made, and 1 therefore consider the accidental occuiTcnce of Corvus corax and Hirundo 7'usiica — the latter, be it remembered, having been already observed in Nova Zembla (Ibis, 1870, p. 306) — in Spitsbergen to be placed be- yond doubt. I must add that I am indebted to Mr. Ernest Farquhar for the opportunity of reading the letter from Mr. Campbell containing this information.
I am. Sir, Your obedient sei'vant,
Alfred Newton.
Magdalene College, Cambridge, 20th March, 1875.
THE IBIS.
THIRD SERIES.
No. XIX. JULY 1875.
XX. — On the Birds of the South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. By W. Vincent Legge^ Lieut. R.A.
In the January number of ' The Ibis ' for last year, I gave an outline of the distribution of the birds in the south-western corner, or southern hill-region of Ceylon, which consists of a maze of hills ranging from the sea-level up to an altitude of 4500 feet, and possessing the dampest climate in the island. In these notes I gave evidence of the occurrence of birds not previously recorded from that region, such as Syrnium in- dranee, Toccus gingalensis, Chrysocolaptes stricklandi, Palceor- nis calthrop^jPhcenicophaes pyrrhocepJialus* ,Eumyias sordida, Merops quinticolor, Prionochilus vincens, Phyllornis malaba- ricus, Dissemurus malabaricus, Drymocataphus fuscicapillus, and many others. The limit of this subdivision was defined to consist, towards the east, of the eastern slope of the hill- region, which nins from the southernmost point of the island due north, dividing this southern division into two halves : — the one, that before under consideration ; the other, that now to
* Layard does not specify the precise limits of this bird's range. Eni- merson Tennant gives its habitat, ''confiiled to the southern highlands^ SER. III. VOL. V. X
274 Lieut. W. V. Leggc on the Birds of the
be noticed — namely, tlie immense flat area which comprises the Hambantotta and Kaltsegama districts, and stretches north of tliem to the foot of the central mountains. I spoke of this region as a remarkably "Indo-Ceylonese" one, which is some- what noteworthy, seeing that it is adjacent to the typically Ceylonese district of which I was wi^iting. In truth, however, the two localities might well diff'er in toto in the character of their avifauna; for there are, perchance, fcAV spots in the world where the transition from one region to another en- tirely different is as sudden as the jump from the damp forest- clad hills of the south-west to the arid, dry, scrub-covered plains of the south-east of this island. The wooded plains and the open wastes surrounding the salt lakes or " leways '"^ of this subdivision, therefore, present us with all the inses- sorial forms characteristic of most parts of the north of the island, such as Merops viridis, Hydrocissa coronata, Picus mahratiensisf, Xantholcema indica, Upupa niyripennis, Bu- changa ccsrulescens, Kittacincla macrura, Thamnobia fulicata, Temenuchus pagodarum, Munia malacca, Mirafra affinis, Pyrrhulauda grisea, and Alauda galgula ; and its leways and wild secluded tanks furnish a long list of the grallatorial forms, likewise characteristic of the north-east and north coasts.
North of the maritime region the soil improves slightly, the jungle becomes larger, and the rivers are lined with a belt of forest of magnificent trees. These streams are the Wellaway, Kirinde, and Kattregama Gaugas (rivers).
In March 1872, during the N.E. monsoon, I explored the sea-board, making the salt depot of Kirinde, twenty-four miles north of Hambantotta, my headquarters. My leave being of short duration, I was unable to work the interior, or country lying between the Hambantotta and the central province, and I was compelled to defer my visit to that part imtil the year before last, when I made a trip through it
* Pronounced Imcys; these are the shallow lagoons from which the Government of Ceylon collects such a large amount of salt.
t I might also include P. strichhindi, common in the forests of the northern interior.
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 275
during the prevalence of the south-east monsoon, choosing that season with the view of looking for the whereabouts of some of our insessorial forms which disappear from the west coast at that time, and which I hoped to meet with in the sheltered jungles of the Wellaway Korle.
Touching our commonest birds, which one is sure to meet with throughout the low country, and which of course are present in these limits, I will not take up room for special notice of them ; they may, however, be summed up with our common cool-season "migrants,^' Hirundo rustica, Lanius cristatus, Alseonax latirostris, Acrocephalus dumetorum, Phyl- loscopus nitidus, about which there is nothing to note, except that the two latter are scarce, and with our insessorial resi- dents, Cypselus bataviensis, Dendrochelidon coronata, Collo- calia fuciphaga, Halcyon smyrnensis, Alcedo bengalensis, Pe- largopsis gurial, Megalxama zeylonica, Eudynamys lionorata, Centropus nifipennis*, Leptocoma zeylonica, Arachnecthra lo- tenia, Dicaum minimum, Campephaga sykesi, Myiagra azurea, Alcippe nigrifrons, Malacocercus striatus, Phyllornis jerdoni, Ixos luteolus, Pycnonotus hcemori'hous , lora zeylonica, Oriolus ceylonensis, Copsychus saularis, Orthotomus longicauda, Cis- ticola schcenicola, Corydalla rufula, Acridotheres tristis, Zos- terops palpebrosus, Munia striata, M. undulata, and Passer indicus, — touching which I may remark that Dendrochelidon coronata and Eudynamys honorata are resident here during both monsoons, that Arachnecthra lotenia is partially repre- sented by the much more numerous A. asiatica, a species fond of dry scrubs, that Copsychus saulai'is, the common Robin of the west coast, is almost entirely replaced by Tham- nobia fulicata, a very abundant bird in the north of the island and on the whole of the east coast, that Munia undulata, our common Finch of the west coast, is replaced to a great extent by M. malabarica, a typical species of the north-east. Again, as far as the remaining Orders are concerned, Turtur sura-
* I am almost sure I once distinguished the green bill of C. chloro- rhynchns in a Centropus that flew across the Badulla road, in the Wella- way Korle ; but I am not confident enough of my identification to be able to include it in the following catalogue.
x2
276 Lieut. W. V. Lcgge on the Birds of the
tensis (our common Dove) and the universally distributed Waders of the low country, Actitis hypoleuca, Totanus (jla- reola, Gallinula phoenicura, Buphus coromandus, and Ardeola grayi, muster^ in the localities which suit their habits, in the same force as elsewhere.
Ornithologically considered, as well as regards vegetation and features of the soil, tliis district divides itself into two portions : — the maritime belt, or sea-board, as I shall term it, which consists of the Niagam and Giramapattus"^, stretching from north of Kattregama, the neighbourhood of the celebrated Hindoo temple of that name, to the confines of the south-west- ern hill-region, near the town of Tangalle ; and the interior, Avhicli consists of the Wellaway and adjoining korles, reaching northwards to the foot of the central-province mountains, bounded on the west by the eastern slopes of the southern hills, and shut in towards the east by ranges of hills stretch- ing towards Batticaloa. These latter wilds, which have never been explored by a naturalist, the whole being one inter- minable jungle, will no doubt yield us some day some inter- esting novelties. In the following list I will enumerate all those species occurring in these limits which deserve special notice, and as regards Raptores, will mention one or two whose absence is conspicuous.
1. MiCRONISUS BADIUS (Gm.).
This Sparrowkawk is much less common in this part of the island than I suspected. During my July trip I only saw one example in the Wellaway Korle. In many semiculti- vated districts of the island it is numerous, and, there, is very frequently observed about compounds and cocoa-nut planta- tions near human dwellings.
2. AcciPiTER viRGATUs (Temm.).
Thinking that this species might prove one of the treasures of such an out-of-the-way district during the cool season, I looked everywhere for it, but was unsuccessful. All examples that I have as yet met with are from the western side of the
* Pattu and Korle are the vernacular names for the territorial divisions of the island, which coi-respoud to the English county.
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceijlon. 277
island ; and for its occurrence in the Galle district see ' Ibis/ 1874, p. 10.
3. LiMNAETUs cRisTATELLus (Temm.) .
This Eagle is common in the interior. I observed it in the WellaAvay Korle, in the forest-belts lining the river. These localities are the favourite resort of all the large Rap- tors here.
4. Spilornis bacha (Daud.).
This Serpent-Eagle frequented the rivers of the interior, dwelling in the magnificent forest-trees along their banks. It was invariably to be seen seated on a great overhanging limb, and when flushed would glide along over the sandy bed to another perch a short distance off. In the space of a mile, one day, I saw three examples. A presumably immature male example of S. hacha"^, although the testes were as much developed as in an adult which I procured on the Kirinde Ganga, had a total length of 21*75 inches, wing 15, tail 9, tarsus 3"5, mid toe 1*8, its claw (straight) '85. Iris yel- low, with brown inner circle ; cere greenish yellow ; legs and feet pale yellow; tlie throat and cheeks jet-black, with a white chin, and longitudinal gular white streaks ; across the fore neck, below the black throat, the feathers are tipped with buff; the whole of the head-, occipital-, and crest-feathers are broadly tipped with buff-white, adjacent to which they are black, fading into fulvous next the white basal halves ; the interscapulars, scapulars, and wing-coverts conspicuously mar- gined fulvous grey, which is the most important immature feature in the bird ; the centre caudal bar is 1 inch wide, and its adjacent anterior and posterior smoky bars waved trans- versely with white ; the junction of the latter with the subter- minal black bar is indistinct, the black and the brown melt- ing into one another ; the ventral white spots are circular, but they possess the dark circling observable in the adult. I presume this is the plumage of Blyth's S. spilogaster ; or is this latter to be recognized as a valid species ?
* In my paper in ' The Ibis ' of last January, where, at page 9, I speak of Spilornis cheelo, it must be understood that the present species is re-
278 Lieut. W. Y. Legge on the Birds of the
5. CUNCUMA LEUCOGASTER (Grm.).
This Eagle is local in this district, as, in fact, it is in all other parts of the coast ; it is rarely found about the leways, but frequents the coast-line almost entirely. I observed it frequently in the Kattregam division of the Magam Pattu, to the north of Kirinde, which is the next salt-station beyond Hambantotta. Throughout Ceylon its favourite resorts are the large brackish lakes near the shore, and the harbours and arms of the sea with which the coast, particularly in the north-east and north, is intersected.
6. POLIOAETUS ICHTHYAETUS (Horsf.) .
This fish-Eagle does not frequent the leways ; it is found about the mouths of the large rivers, but it is not nearly so abundant as it is in the east and north-east of the island. In confinement I have fovmd this bird to be exceedingly noisy and querulous ; but it thrives well in an aviary notwithstand- ing. The markings of the tail in the immature dress change very much with time during the first year, the mottled brown portion of the centre paling into grey ; this colour being the predominant hue, shows out the subterminal bar (which likewise becomes pale) more plainly than in the early part of the stage. The tawny hue of the breast fades out almost en- tirely before the end of the first year. In this stage the iris is yellow-brown ; in the adult, clear yellow beautifully mot- tled with brown,
7. Circus swainsoni, Smith.
8. Circus cineraceus (Mont.).
9. Circus .eruginosus (Linn.).
I met with occasional examples of the two first-named Har- riers, in March, about the open scrubby lauds along the coast, C. cineraceus being more frequent here than in most parts of the island. Circus ceruginosus is much less abundant here than
ferred to, checla being the specific name used by Layard, whom I chiefly followed in my identification of the birds of the south-western district. My using the specific title of the northern and larger form was a great blunder.
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 279
in the south-west, where the open paddy-lands are more suited to its habits than the hot " wastes '' of this district.
10. Haliastur INDUS (Bodd.).
Not abundant in the maritime district, but occurs far in- land in the Wellaway Korle about tanks.
11. MiLvus GOViNDA, Sykcs. Milvus affinis, Gould.
I observed no example of the Pariah Kite in either season ; and it is very rare in the south-west (Ibis, 1874, p. 10).
12. Elanus ceruleus (Desf.).
I met with several examples of this Kite in the vicinity of inland tanks ; it occui-s here more frequently, perhaps, than in any other part of the island.
13. KeTUPA CEYLONENSIS (Gm.).
Numerous in the forests on the banks of the rivers, parti- cularly in the Wellaway Korle. I saw nothing of our AVood- Owl, Syrnium indranee, which occurs frequently in the other subdivision of the south, the hiU country (Ibis, 1874, p. 11).
14. Ephialtes backamuna.
This little Owl is less frequent here than in the south- west. It aflfects cultivated districts far more than wild jungle- country.
15. NiNox HiRsuTA (Tcmm.) .
In my notice of the birds of the south-west or the southern hill- region, I omitted this species. For a long time I was accustomed to hear early in the evening and late in the morn- ing, when in the interior of that district, particularly along the Gindurah, the note of an Owl, which I was unable to trace to its proper source. Since writing my paper I suc- ceeded in shooting the bird while hooting, and thus found that this species, supposed to be rare in Ceylon {vide P. Z. S. 1872, p. 418), was very numerous in the south-west. Last year I found it very common in the Wellaway Korle, its note being my constant evening and morning entertainment, as late as 7 a.m. I have heard it monotonous whooo-wuk, ivhooo- wuk, whooo-wuk, in more than one direction, around some
280 Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Birds of the
lonely tanks ; but notwithstanding its frequent occurrence, I only procured two examples, as it is exceedingly shy. The stomach of one of them was crammed with the common small green beetle of the country. It fell to my gun about 2 p.m. ; and at that time its food was undigested, proving it to feed very late in the morning. The dimensions of both my spe- cimens are less than those given by Mr. Hume for a Nicobar example (Str. Feath. vol. ii. p. 152). They are: —
Length. Wing. Tail. Tarsus.
I. S 10-6 8 4-3 1-1
%jriv. S 10-3 7-7 4-25 0-95
The iris in the young bird is dusky yellow, in contradis- tinction to the golden yellow of the adult, the feathers of the throat margined with a shining oclire-yellow, and the brown of the under surface much darker than in the adult, with much less white, particularly noticeable in its absence from the abdominal region.
16. HiRUNDO HYPERYTHRA, Layard.
The Ceylon Swallow is common in the vicinity of tanks in the Wellaway Korle j but I did not notice it in the Hambau- totta district, although it is abundant along the sea-board of the south west.
17. Cypselus affinis. Gray.
T found this Swift breeding in the houses at the salt-depot at Kirinde, in March 1872. It is common throughout the coast-region, and the " colony " at Kirinde must have num- bered sixty or seventy pairs. The nests were placed between the tiles and the rafters of the verandas, and were constructed of cottony substances interwoven with grass-stalks.
18. ACANTHYLIS GIGANTEA (Tcmm.).
This magnificent Swift, which I have never seen recorded from the low country, occurred once on the borders of this district during my trip in July 1873. During a heavy squall from the south-west a large flock appeared on the coast, hawk- ing near the ground on the hill at Taugolle, They came, as far as I could judge, from the south, and disappeared a short time after the shower was over, flying due north, towards the
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 281
hillsj where I had once observed them durmg my explora- tions (Ibisj 1874j p. 13). They had evidently been hawking at an immense elevation, probably equal to that of the south- ern-province hills, and had been driven down by the heavy rains.
19. Caprimulgus spilocercus, Gray.
20. Caprimulgus asiaticus, Latham.
Both numerous in various parts, the latter mostly in the open sandy wastes and scrubs along the sea-board ; but the former is equally abundant, both here and in the Wellaway Korle. Its remarkable note at once tells the tale of its pre- is sence in a locality.
21. Harpactes fasciatus (Forster).
Occurs in the forest on the banks of the Kirinde Ganga, but is less frequent than I anticipated.
22. Merops viridis, Linn.
Abundant both in the maritime region and in the interior. This species breeds in the sand-hills of Hambantotta. Its range in Ceylon is from the maritime regions of the north, north-Avest, and east, down the whole of the east side of the island, and round the south-east as far as Tangalle. I have never seen it on the southern half of the west coast ; but Mr. Holdsworth has observed it at Colombo, although I never saw it during a three years' residence in that part. The blue throat {vide Mr. Holdsworth's catalogue, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 422) appears to me to be a marked characteristic of maturity ; this part in the young bird is yellowish green, surrounded by the pale green of the adjacent parts of the fore neck, the throat- band being at that period ill defined and narrower than later on. I traced this bird all along the Hambantotta and Ba- dulla road to the foot of the hills.
23. Merops philippinus, Linn.
Not so numerous as the above. I observed it a good deal near tanks in the Wellaway Korle. It is found all over the island in the season, affecting the highest pattus of the cen- tral province.
383 Lieut. W. V. Leggc on the Birds of the
24. Ceryle rudis (Linn.).
Affects the leways along the coast. I did not observe many along the shaded rivers of the interior ; it is a bird which always affects exposed situations.
2.5. Hydrocissa coronata (Bodd.).
Our large Hornbill I met with about the tanks, where there is forest, in the Kaltsegama district, and along the rivers of the interior.
26. Toccus GiNGALENSis'^ (Sliaw) .
The Hornbill is abundant along the Hambantotta and Ba- dulla road, commencing at a point some fifteen miles north of the former place. I met with it always in the forest on the river-banks throughout the Wellaway Korle. What appear to be birds of the year, although in two instances the ova were well developed, are smaller than adults, and have the bill al- most wholly brown. The amount of white in this organ varies with age, from a streak on the side to the almost white bill, with dark patch just anterior to the eye, and dark wash at the base beneath, of old birds. The white markings of the pri- maries and rectrices are irregular during immaturity; in one example before me, the fifth quill of one wing is almost en- tirely white, save a black patch adjacent to the normal white tip, while on the corresponding feather of the other wing there is a white line down the centre of the black inner web. Five adult examples measure in the wing 8'25 inches, and in the bill, from gape straight to tip, 3" 5.
27. PaljEornis torquatus (Bodd.).
28. Pal^eornis EUPATRius (Linn.).
29. PaL^ORNIS ROSA.
P. torquatus is abundant in the scrubs of the coast-district ; and P. eupatrius and P. rosa I met with on the BaduUa road and on the banks of the Kirinde Ganga. I think it is now
* The Hornbill of the south-western forests may perhaps be distinct j but a large series must be got together before the question can be decided. It is an extremely shy bird, only one example falling to my gun in two years' collecting. It has the bill half an inch longer, more curved and pointed, and more notched than this form.
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 283
an established fact that our large Parrakeet is a much smaller bird than the Indian form. Wings of females measure as low as 7'4i, and those of young males between 7*4 and 7'6. I have not yet procured an adult male with a wing exceeding 8 ;. but I may have come upon small examples. The depth of the upper mandible of such a one is 0'8.
30. PiCUS MAHRATTENSIS, Lath.
Tolerably frequent in the Euphorbia scrubs of the coast and in the low jungle of the south in the Wellaway Korle.
31. Chrysocolaptes ^stivus (Bodd.).
I procured an example (?) in the Kattregama district, on the Kirinde Ganga, in March 1872. The note of this Wood- pecker is remarkable for its faintness. The wing of my ex- ample measured 2*8 inches, bill to gape 2, tarsus 1-05, total length 1 1 ; iris brown -, bill blackish, legs and feet dull greenish slate.
32. Chrysocolaptes stricklandi*, Layard.
This species, which has, until lately, been looked upon as entirely a hill-bird, is common in the Wellaway Korle, par- ticularly in the forests along the Kirinde Ganga. I met with it within fifteen miles of the sea near Tissa Maha Rama, in March 1872, and found it constantly in the interior in March 1873. Immature birds, even up to the second year, have much brown about the bill ; and I have never got an example yet that had not the culmen, just anterior to the forehead, washed with dusky.
33. Micropternis gularis, Jerdon.
Tolerably frequent near the Kattregama hills and in the Wellaway Korle.
34. Chrysophlegma chlorophanes (Vieill.).
This Woodpecker, I imagine, is rare in this district. I met with but one example, in thick jungle near Tanamalvilla, on the northern boundary of the Magam Pattu. Its shy and
* This species is equally common in the forests of the northern in- terior, and likewise along the north-east coast, vide ' Stray Feathers ' (vol. iii. no. 1, and vol. i. p. 34G).
28 1 Lieut. W. V. Leg-gc on the Birds of the
retiring habits, however, tend always, more or less, to its being passed over.
35. Brachypternus ceylonus, Forster.
Very abundant in the Wellaway Korle. I found it all along the Badulla road and in the heavy jungle near the Kirinde Ganga, where I frequently noticed Dissemurus malabaricus chasing it out of trees which it was affecting, the Dongo ap- pearing to entertain no kindly feelings towards it.
36. XanthoLjEma indica. Lath.
A characteristic species of the north, and very numerous in the Wellaway Korle and north of the Magam Pattu. I traced it as far west as Tangalle, where it suddenly conies to a halt. This Barbet has never been recorded from the south until now.
37. Xanthol^ema rubricapilla (Gm.).
This characteristic species of the south-west and western districts is, in this region, by no means frequent ; I met with it only in the jungles near the rivers in the Wellaway Korle.
38. CucuLus sonnerati. Lath.
39. PoLYPHASiA passerina, Vahl.
40. COCCYSTES JACOBINUS.
These Cuckoos all occur in the low jungles of the sea-board. C. sonnerati is rare ; but the elegant P. passerina is very abun- dant in the scrubs. C jacobinus, I observed in July ; and it is therefore evident that a partial migration from the southern half of the west coast takes place to this region during the south-west monsoon, as I have never seen it between Colombo and Dondra Head during the prevalence of that wind.
41. Zanclostomus viridirostris, Jerdon.
Abundant in the maritime region and in the low jungle- districts of the interior. This skulking bird occurs almost everywhere in the low country where thick scrubby jungle abounds, but, on account of its shy habits, often escapes ob- servation.
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 285
42. Phcenicophaes pyrrhocephalus, Forster.
I did not observe this species myself; but it was described to me as having been seen and shot in the forest near Tissa- Maha-Rama : as it was procured by me in the forests of the northern province {vide 'Stray Feathers/ vol. i. p. 346), I may safely say that it is distributed throughout most of the low-country forests in the island.
43. Taccocua leschenaultIj Lesson.
The previous history of this species as a Ceylonese bird is contained in Mr. Holdsworth's '' Catalogue" (P. Z. S. 1872, p. 433) . Its first occurrence, on the evidence of an example procured by a Mr. Laurie in the great upland valley of the central province, which I had the pleasure of examining, is there recorded. My discovery of it in this region shows it to have rather a singular distribution in the island ; it appears also to be resident in the flat jungle-clad plains of this part of Ceylon. In March 1872 I observed it three or four times in the Euphorbia scrubs between the salt-depot of Kirinde and the Tissa-Maha-Rama temple ; but I failed to procure a single specimen, as it was always in the long grass close to the edge of the jungle, into which it darted with such speed that I missed it. In July 1873, however, I was more fortunate, procuring two fine specimens on and near the BaduUa road, about twenty miles north of Hambantotta. After darting into the edge of the jungle, it sometimes rests a moment in the tree in which it alights, before threading its way through the branches, like its kindred genera, and thus affords a chance of a shot. In this way I got both my birds. Mr. Laurie's specimen {loc. cit.) was a male ; both mine are females, differ- ing somewhat in size and under-colouring, the under surface of the largest example being more rufous than that of the other. The following are the dimensions of these birds : —
!($)• 2($). 3(c^).
in. in. in.
Length 16 uropygials 16 (from
shot away. skin).
Wing 61 5-9 6-1
Tarsus 1-65 1-6 1-85
286 Lieut. W. V. Lcgge on the Birds of the
1(2). 2(2). 3(d).
ill. in. in.
Anterior toe 1 1
Claw, straight 0-3.5 0-35
Tail 8-4 8-35
BiU, gape to tip, sti-aight 1*4 1*45
Bill, height at anterior edge of nostril. \"2 1'4
To account for the difference in size, one of my examples may have been a yomig bird, although the ova appeared to be equally perfect in each. Neither was in moult, as the remiges were full-grown in both. In the smallest bird (which, however, had the largest bill) the iris was red, with a yellow outer margin and purplish inner circle; in the other very little trace of the yellow circle was perceptible. The tarsi and feet were plumbeous blue, and the bills dull cheny-red, with yellowish tips and an angular marginal black patch at the centre of the curve, continued to the gape as a fiuc line. The above measurements, it will appear, exceed those of Indian examples given by Jerdon, who omits to notice the strong metallic green sheen of the rectrices, and likewise of the sca- pulars and tertials. The stomachs of my birds were crammed with grasshoppers and a species of Mantis. They appear to come out in the mornings and evenings into the open, at which time only I have seen them.
44. Arachnecthra AsiATicA (Lath.).
Abundant in the scrubs of the maritime district and low jungles of the Wellaway Korle. Its congener, A. lotenia, is not plentiful here, as it is in the western province and south-west- ern hill-region. I find A. asiatica is always most abundant in dry scrubby districts.
45. Dendrophila frontalis (Horsf.).
Abundant in the forest banks of the Wellaway-Korle river during the south-west monsoon. This species is a straggler to the western-province low country from the hills during the north-east monsoon. Specimens have been procured there at Net Lavinia, near Colombo.
46. Upupa nigripennis, Gould.
Found in the maritime districts throughout the year, but
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 287
most numerous during the north-east monsoon. A fine male, procured 10th July, 1873, measured in total length 11-75, wing 5*5, tail 4, bill from forehead straight to tip 2*25 . My experience accords with Mr. Holdsworth's in proving the markings of this Hoopoe to vary considerably. In one male example I have, there is no white spot on the 1st primary.
47. Tephrodornis pondiceriana (Gm.).
Plentiful in the maritime districts and in the Wellaway Korle, more especially in the south-west monsoon. Its oc- currence here at this latter season proves that a partial mi- gration takes place from the south-w^est coast towards the east at that time, and vice versa during the north-east mon- soon, at which time it is most plentiful in the Galle district.
48. Hemipus picatus, Sykes.
This little Shrike is common in the low country as in the hiUs. I met with it in this district often in the jungles of the Wellaway Korle. In the western province, too, I have procured it near Colombo during the south-west monsoon.
49. Graucalus layardi, Blyth.
This is a local species in Ceylon. It is found in but few localities in the western province, and, as regards the Kandy country, seems to be confined chiefly to the valley of Doom- bera. In this district, however, it is very numerous. I met with it frequently in the jungles of the Wellaway Korle, where I found it afifecting dead trees in clearings and open places. I see Lord Walden doubts the distinctness of this bird from G. macm, Lesson (Ibis, 1873, p. 31 2); and Mr. Hume thinks that age has much to do with the markings of the under surface (Str. Feath. vol. i. p. 435). Jerdon^s diagnosis (Ibis, 1872, p. 117), with regard to the markings of the under wing and tips of rectrices, does not seem to hold good ; both these characteristics, I think, vary with age. In two males before me (they may not be fully adult) the under wing-coverts are almost pure white ; under the metacarpal joint and ulna, and on a few of the longer feathers, there are some light bars; the three lateral rectrices, in one example, have white tips from \ inch to y^ consecutively ; the two next have the
288 Lieut. W. V. Leggc on the Birds of the
extreme tip white ; and in the other bird the uropygials even terminate in eonspicuous white tips^ the abdomen and under tail-coverts are pure white, but the lower breast-feathers arc strongly barred; whereas in a female* the barrings of the latter part are almost obsolete, and the belly, abdomen, and under tail-coverts are pure white. The sex of these speci- mens was carefully determined. Dimensions as follows : —
Length. Wing. Tarsus. Bill to gape.
S 10-25 5-9 ] 1-4
c? 10-1 6-0 M 1-45
5 not taken .5-85 1 1-36
in flesh.
Males differ from females in the depth of upper-surface hues and lower barrings ; and the latter are, to my mind, lighter throughout, particularly as regards the bars of the breast.
50. Pericrocotus flammeus (Forst.).
51. Pericrocotus peregrinus (Linn.).
Both frequent in the jungles of the interior, twenty miles north of Hambantotta.
52. BucHANGA c^rulescens (Linn.).
The occurrence of this Dongo in the Wellaway Korle sur- prised me as much as did that of the little " Coppersmith " {Xanthol(Bma indica) . I observed it in July along the Ham- bantotta and Badulla road.
53. BuCHANGA LEUCOPYGIALIS, Blyth.
This, the Ceylon ally of the above, is very numerous in the interior.
54. DissEMURUs malabaricus (Scop.).
Numerous in the forest along the Kirinde Ganga. The notes of this showy bird are charming and most varied ; and its constant presence is a pleasing feature of the beautiful forest-shaded rivers of the south coast. There I have often, while reclining on some gravelly bank in the partly dry river- bed beside the scanty stream which is then the representative * Probably a veiy old bird.
South-eastei'n Subdivision of Southern Ceylon, 289
of a rushing torrent iu the wet season^ been delighted in listening to its lively notes and watching its quick movements in the magnificent mahogany trees over my head.
I have a considerable series of examples with tails in all stages, and at no period do I find any resemblance to those of D. lo])ho7'hinus. They appear to breed in this part about May ; for on the 3rd July I shot a female in nestling-plumage, with the iris light brown, and the tarsi with the lower part bluish, changing above to the black of the adult. The frontal crest was scarcely recurved at all, but projecting forward, as in lophorhinus ; the feathers of the head and back of the neck were round-tipped, and the under tail-coverts not barred white as the under wing-coverts, but with only one spot at the tip of one of the longest feathers. The lateral rectrices were 3*35 inches longer than the urojiygials ; in the finest lophorhinus the difference does not exceed 2'6 ; the web was well turned up and over at the tip, as in the adult, with a small indenta- tion adjacent to the tip of the penultimate, looking as if the margin had been burnt, and leaving a width of "23 in the web. The total length of this example was 13 inches, with a wing of 5 "75. In the second year the crest is recurved, though not so lengthened as in old birds, the under tail- coverts are barred white, and of course the under wing-coverts spotted with the same; and in a female, now before me, the lateral rectrice is 4-75 longer than the uropygials, with quite a perceptible edging to the shaft at the denuded part, leaving a width of '07 at its narrowest : the iris is brownish red, and the wing 5 •75. In the most adult bird, and, at the same time, the largest male that I can pick out of a series of eight now before me, the lateral rectrice is 6*4 longer than the uropygials, and the shaft is almost completely denuded ; the iris in this is deep red, the under tail-coverts unspotted ; but the under wing-coverts have two solitary spots as a remnant of the im- mature dress. The above diagnosis will, I think, prove that the short tail is a characteristic of immaturity, and not an in- dividual variation.
55. TcHiTREA PARADiSEA (Linn.).
I found this species abundant in the Wellaway Korle in
SER. III. VOL. V. y
290 On the Birds of South-eastern Ceylon.
the month of July ; it was most commonly to be seen round tanks and in the forest near the rivers. I visited this region for the purpose of searching for several birds which disappear at this season from the west and south-west ; and this was one among the number. Nearly all the birds I saw were in the red stage. I traced it no nearer to the sea-board than fif- teen miles at this monsoon^ but found it near the coast in the other.
56. Leucocerca aureola^ Less.
This Flycatcher, which is tolerably rare on the western side of the island, and not often to be seen in the northern inte- rior of the island, was plentiful in July in the Wcllaway Korle. It extends as far west as Matara, near Dondra Head, at this season. The only birds I have seen in the south-west have occurred there during the north-east monsoon.
57. Pitta brachycerca, Linn.
As abundant in the scrubs of the maritime district — Ham- bantotta to Kattregama — as it is in the north of Ceylon. It is also very numerous in the south-west {Ibis_, 1874, p. 18).
58. Pyctorhis sinensis (Gm.).
This incorrigible little skulker, so rare in most parts of Ceylon, has, I think, its headquarters in the dry jungles of the sea-board and inland for some 20 miles. It abides throughout the day in silence in the dense scrubs, and comes out in the morning and evening into clearings in the jungle, or on to the bushy flats round the leways, and gives a long loud whistle from the top of a bush ; but it is off" like a shot when it sees you. It is a most difficult bird to kill, fighting and scratching when taken up wounded, and, if winged, makes off into the densest dead wood and grass with as much speed as a rat.
59. DUMETIA ALBOGULARIS, Blyth.
Numerous in suitable spots in the interior, and breeds in June and July. I found one nest, a large ball of dry soft grass, fixed in a low bush close to the ground, containing three young.
[To bo cuntiiiued.]
The Birds of Transylvania. 291
XXI. — The Birds of Transylvania. By Charles G. Danford, and John A. Harvie Brown.
Part II.
*1. Gypaetus BARBATUS (L.) . Zer^fg /§«;¥ (Chamois-Eaglc) ; Szakdlos Keselyil (Bearded Vulture) .
Not rare in the higher mountains, but seldom descending into the low country : nests in rocky situations. Danford saw it in autumn at Petroseny, near the Vulcan Pass, and among the high hills in the neighbourhood of the Retjezat ; and HH. Csato and Buda Adam observed many, especially about the Jorgovan Kove, where they counted as many as fifteen at a time. The specimen in the Klausenburg Museum was shot at Rodenau, in the Nassoder district.
^2, VuLTUR MONACHUS, L. D'og Keselyil (Carrion- Vulture) .
Common throughout the country, both on plain and moun- tain : breeds among rocks. We came upon a flock of twelve feeding on a buried horse, which had been laid bare by the Wallach dogs, on the road-side near to Maros-Ludas ; and we also saw some at Hatzeg.
"^3. Gyps FULvus (Gmel.). /S^'o^e iCe^e/?/^ (Light-coloured Viilture) .
Not so common as the preceding, but weU distributed, keeping more to the mountains, where it breeds. It is gene- rally seen during warm weather. Herr Otto met with it at Zah and at Gyeke.
4. Neophron percnopterus (L.) . Csont Keselyil (Bone- Vulture) .
Very rare, but has been occasionally seen in the lowlands in autumn; and the young have, according to Herr Buda Adam, been brought from the mountains near Hatzeg. Herr Buda Elek saw one on the carcass of a sheep at Russ ; and in 1860 Herr Buda Adam observed one on the banks of the Strell. Both these observations were made in summer.
5. Falco sacer, Gm.
Very rare. Bieltz mentions F. lanarius, L., as occurring;
Y 2
292 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvie Brown on
but from his description we think it is undoubtedly Falco sacer [vera) that is meant. Herr v. Pelzeln has informed Danford tliat he considers it much more likely that F. sacer occurs in Transylvania than F. lanarius. Both species have occurred^ however, on the Theiss {Zelebor) .
*6. Falco peregrinus, Gmel. Sohjom.
Not common. We only saw one, and that in the neigh- bourhood of Gorgeny. Hatzeg and Miihlbach are other lo- calities. It is more abundant in winter.
Obs. Graf Lazar thinks that Fako peregrinoides occurs in Transylvania.
*7. Falco subbuteo, L.
Common. We got one and saw sundry other specimens at Ziih, in the Mezoseg. It is said to breed in the country, but does not remain over the winter.
^8. Falco ^salon, Tunstall. Torpe Sdlyom (Dwarf Falcon) .
A bird of passage, chiefly to be found in winter, and not breeding in the country. Danford has seen them in autumn ; and probably on one occasion we saw it during our visit to the Mezoseg. Herr Buda Elek says that he has never ob- served them later than the middle of March, and that the young birds are the commonest.
*9. Falco vespertinus, L. Veres Idbu Sdlyom (Red-footed Falcon) .
Common. We saw them in the south at Hatzeg, where they had been very numerous, but were then leaving, the migration generally lasting there from the middle of April to the beginning of May. We found them again further north at Zah, in the Mezoseg, where they seemed to be breeding. A few solitary birds may be met with during the autumn. Herr Otto says they nest in the poplar trees near houses. Writing at Benczencz, in 1860, Graf Lazar says they " used to come every second year in flocks of 2000 or 3000, but now^ since the last three years, come annually."
10. Falco cenchris, Cuv. Feher kormu Vercse (White- clawed Tower-Hawk) .
Herr Buda Adam says that this bird is not uncommon at
the Birds of Transylvania. 293
Miihlbach, where lie has seeu them, and where he tried to take the nest m the hollow oak trees in which they breed every year. Bieltz gives the Stadtwald, near Hermannstadt, and the rocks in the Rothenthurm Pass (where he says it probably breeds) as localities. Herr Csato says that it is rare in the Strell valley, appearing in spring and leaving in autumn. It is the first migratory bird to leave the country.
■^11. Falco tinnunculus, L. Vercse (Tower-Hawk).
Very common everywhere : does not generally remain over the winter, but arrives in March and April, and leaves in the late autumn. It has, however, been known to stay, as Herr Otto frequently saw about ten pairs at Klausenburg in the cold December of 1868, a winter in which field-mice were unusually abundant.
12. Elanus c\eruleus (Desf.).
We insert this on the authority of Graf Lazar {'' Kurtze Beitrage zur Ornithologie Siebenbiirgens^^), who states that one was killed at Benczencz, where he lived.
■^13. Pandionhaliaetus (L.). Halcisz Sas {Fisher l^ngle) .
Generally distributed, but not common. We saw a couple by a lake near Zali about the middle of May. Herr Otto, though he had seen them both at Zah and at Gyeke-Czeg, had not, in 1872, discovered where they breed. They may also be met with in summer on the Strell.
14. Pernis apivorus (L.).
Rare. It has been found breeding in a wood near Lesch- kirch and at Nagy-Enyed. There is a specimen in the Klaus- enburg Museum which was killed at Gyorgyfalva.
^15. CiRCAETusGALLicus(Gm.). Kifft/o Sus {Snokc-l^agle) .
We shot a fine male specimen in a wood at Szent Mihaly, near Klausenburg. The eyes of this specimen were bright lemon-yellow, and the same colour as the cere. Authorities are agreed as to its breeding in the country, and state that it is not uncommon. Known localities are the Biik (beech) wood near Klausenburg and woods near Piski ; and Herr Buda has shot several at Ilatzeg, and seen them often.
294 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvie Brown on
*16. Haliaetus albicilla (L.).
Rare. We saw one bird at the lake at Tohat, in the Mezo- seg. Herr Klir says he has also seen it at Gorbo, near Klaus- enburg. The high mountain-lake of Zenoga, in the Southern Carpathians^ and the willow-thickets on the Strell in winter, are given by Herr Buda Adam as localities. They are found on the mountain -streams when the trout ascend to spawn.
*17, Aquila chrysaetus (L.). Havasi Sas (Mountain- Eagle) ; Szirti sas (Rock-Eagle) .
Common^ especially in autumn, when they frequent the low country. They nest in rocks and trees, and have been known to breed so low down as the Hatzeger Wald. We saw them on various occasions at Hatzeg, in the Mezoseg, near Gorgeny, and in the mountains around Fanczal.
18. Aquila heliaca (Savigny). Kirdly Sas (King-Eagle) .
Not rare. Hermannstadt and Korosbanya are given as lo- calities by Bieltz, Herr Csato says that it is not uncommon on the Retjezat, and Herr Buda that he believes it breeds there. Herr Buda had one in captivity for some years ; it never assumed the old plumage; and another bird of this species, as Herr v. Pelzeln informed Danford, lived seven years in the menagerie at Schonbrunn without losing the striated plumage of the young bird.
19. Aquila clanga (Pall.).
Very rare. It is said to breed in the neighbourhood of Hermannstadt ; and Herr v. Pelzeln thinks it " most proba- ble that it breeds in Transylvania.'^
^20. Aquila NiEviA, Gm. Kialtd Sas (Screaming Eagle).
Common and generally distributed in all woody mountain- ous districts. We saw it at Szent Mihaly, Gorgeny, and more frequently at Fanczal, near which place they were evidently breeding. We were, however, most unfortunate in not being able to obtain any specimens.
21. Aquila pennata (Gm.). Torpe Sas (Dwarf Eagle). Rare. In July 1859, Graf Lazar records one as having been shot at Benczcncz while it was liunting the Turtledoves
the Birds of Transylvania. 295
about the buildings. It was only winged, and lived for twelve days. Graf Liizar also found them breeding in the woods near Broos. Herr Buda Elek shot one during summer in a wood at Brettye, on tlie StrcU. It has also been met with by Herr Stetter at Rodna in the north.
■^22. BuTEo LAGOPUs (Gmcl.) . Havasi UlU (Mountain- Hawk) _, and Gatyds UlU.
Herr Otto records that great numbers appeared in the end of November 1866, and until February of the following year were very diligently employed in mouse-catching. It is not rare, but only appears in winter. Herr Csato found them among high trees on the Strell. A specimen shot at Klausen- burg is in the Museum there. Danford saw one at Kronstadt this autumn.
*23. BuTEo VULGARIS, Lcach. Egeresz (Mouse-catcher).
Though generally distributed and common throughout the country, it is doubtful whether we saw a single specimen dur- ing our present visit. They are, however, plentiful at Hatzeg and on the Strell during autumn.
^24. MiLVUs icTiNUs (Savigny). Kdnya.
We only saw two birds — one which we shot near Klausen- burg, and another which we observed near Szent Mihaly. They are common at Klausenburg and other localities in autumn.
■^25. MiLvus MIGRANS (Bodd.). Barna Kdnyai^voyfu Kite) .
Very common in the Mezoseg. We saw many near To hat, where we found them nesting. Woods being scarce in that district, the tree-building birds are brought into close contact, and on one occasion we found a Black Kite, a Raven, and a Hooded Crow breeding close to each other. In other parts of the country the present species appears to be less common,
■^26. AsTUR PALUMBARius (L.), Golamhdsz (Pigeon- catcher) ; Tyukbdsz (Fowl-catcher) .
Generally distributed and common, breeding on high trees, and remaining throughout the year. We saw it at Hatzeg and in the Szekler country.
296 Messi*s. C. G. Dauford and J. A. Harvie Brown on
*27. AcciPiTER Msus (L.). Maddrdsz (Bird-catcher).
Common, but said to be less so than formerly. It remains throughout the year. We saw it at Zah and in the Szekler country.
^28. Circus iERUGiNosus (L.).
Rather common in the autumn at Hatzeg, Klausenburg. The only specimen wc can be sure of, was obtained by us on one of the little marshes near the latter place ; but we may have seen others in the Mezoseg. This species was unusually abun- dant in the winter of 1868-69, probably in consequence of there being a good supply of field-mice.
^^29. Circus cyaneus (L.). Sziirke Ulu (Grey Harrier).
Very common at Hatzeg, Banffy Hunyad, &c. In autumn Danford has seen as many as twelve on the wing at one time in the cornfields. Solitary old males are sometimes found during the mnter, though this species, in common with all the Harriers of the country, is migratorJ^
30. Circus swainsoni. Smith.
Rare. According to Bieltz, it has been obtained near Her- manustadt; and Herr Buda Adam says it has occurred at Hatzeg.
"^31. Circus cineraceus (Mont.). Reti Ulil (Meadow- Harrier).
Very common in the Mezoseg, where we found them nest- ing among reeds, the nest being sometimes considerably above the ground. We also met Avith them at Szent jNIiluily j and they are common near Klausenburg, but not so abundant iu the lower parts of the countiy.
*32. Aluco FLAMMEUs (L.). Gy ont/y Buffoly (Pea,rl-Ow\) .
Seems to have been formerly very common throughout the country, but is now becoming much scarcer. We obtained one near Bogat, on the Maros. That, and all the stuffed speci- mens which we saw, varied from oui' British type consider- ably, and were much darker in jjlumage. Herr Otto says it has established itself among the rushes at the lake of Katona. It is common about Hermannstadt.
the Birds of Transylvania. 297
■^^33. Ulula uralensis (Pall.). Hajnali Bayoly (Dawn- Owl).
Not rare, appearing, however, to be much more abundant in some years than in others, — Herr Buda says, every third year. Bieltz writes that it is not rare near Hermannstadt and in the woods lying to the south of that town, the egg being smaller than that of the Eagle Owl, as round, but with a much more tender shell. We have not found this statement of its breeding in the country confirmed by any other autho- rity. Dauford saw this bird on two occasions near Demsus, in the Hatzeg valley, in October, and it is often to be met with among the alder bushes on the Strell and Klopotiva.
■^34. Strix aluco, L.
Generally distributed and common, especially during winter.
35. SURXIA FUNEREA (L) .
Very rare, but has occurred in the valley of the Strell, where Herr Buda Elek shot five one day. They were also found by Herr Petenyi in the high pine-woods ; and the species is in- cluded in a list of Transylvanian birds in Graf Lazar's col- lection.
36. Carine NocTUA (Scopoli) . Haldl Bagoly {Dea.th.-Ow[) . Not uncommon, and generally distributed. We heard the
cry of this bird at Zah, and saw the head and wings in a keeper's house at Szent Mihaly. A superstition holds amongst the peasants that when this bird cries some one is dying ; hence its native name.
37. Glaucidium passerinum (L.).
Not uncommon, but rarer than the preceding. Hermann- stadt, Schassburg, Maros Nemethyi, are given by Bieltz as localities. Herr Buda Adam says that he has killed them among the pines on the Retjezat, where they are pretty nu- merous. He also says their cry resembles that of the Hazel- Hen. They were found at Borbatviz and at Zajkany, on the Retjezat, by HH. Csato and Buda Adam.
38. Nyctea scandiaca (L.).
We were informed that a specimen of this bud was caught
298 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Ilurvie Brown un
alive at Gyalu, near Klauscnbcrg, and kept for some years in captivity. We can find no other record of its occurrence.
^39. Buno iGNAVus, Forst. Nayyfdles Bagoly (Great-eared Owl) ; Huhoyo.
Generally distributed and common, especially in autumn ; but during the spring we only met with them once.
■^40. Asio OTUs (L.). Erdei Bagohj (Wood-Owl). Generally distributed and not uncommon.
■^41. AsioACCiPiTRiNUs(Pall.). Nadi bagoly (Reed-Owl).
This species is very numerous in the fields and reedy ground near Hatzeg, It seems to be the commonest of the Owls, and remains in the country throughout the winter.
42. Scops Giu (Scopoli). Kis fiiles Bagoly (Little-eared Owl).
Very rare. Bieltz mentions that there were two obtained in a vineyard at Nagy Enyed, one of which was taken alive. Two were killed by Herr Buda Adam at Hatzeg in summer ; and a specimen, shot at Gyoi'gyfalva, is in the Museum at Klaus- enburg.
^43. Jynx torquilla, L. Nyak tekeres (Neck-twister). Common in gardens, orchards, and low-lying woods. We found them numerous at Gorgeny. They are migratory.
■^44. Gecinus viRiDis (L.). Zold Harkdly. Common everywhere among the lower oak- and beech- woods.
■^"45. Gecinus canus, Gm. Szurke Harkdly.
Not so common as the preceding, and more local. We did not procure any during our present trip ; but in autumn Danford found that they were not rare among the deciduous woods near Hatzeg, and shot several on the walls of the pic- tm'csque old Roman temple at Demsus. The skull of this Woodpecker seems to be smaller and narrower than in any of the others ; and the skin may be easily drawn over.
"^40. Drvocopus martius (L) . Fekete Harkdly. Common in the higher woods, and descending to the beaches
the Birds of Transylvania. 299
in autumn. We heard them near Upper Fanczal ; and many were seen at Hatzeg and Banffy Hunyad in August.
*47. Picus LEUCONOTUS, Bechst. Feher hdtu Harkdly.
Not uncommon. We shot one in the oak-woods at Gor- geny ; but our finding it there in summer is considered sin- gular. Like all the rest of this family, one sees many more of them in autumn, when tliey can always be found on the Klopotiva, near Hatzeg; and in winter, according to Herr Csato, they often visit the orchards and willow trees on the Strell.
*48. Picus MAJOR, L. Tarka Harkdly.
Very common everywhere. We even met with it at Zah, in the Mezoseg, a district scarcely suited to its mode of life. It is extraordinary with what tenacity Woodpeckers of this and other species cling, when wounded, to the bark of trees, or hang suspended from the topmost twigs. They often troubled us, too, by getting entangled in the dense bunches of mis- tletoe which grow at the very tops of the great oak trees in the Mocsar wood at Gorgeny.
■^49. Picus MEDius, L. Kdsep tarka Harkdly. Common in the woods at Gorgeny and Hatzeg, and gene- rally throughout the country.
*50. Picus minor, L. Kis tarka Harkdly.
Generally distributed, but not everywhere common. We saw it in the woods near Gorgeny; and it is common at Farkadin, near Hatzeg.
^51. PicoiDEs TRiDACTYLus (L.) . HdroM ujU Harkdly.
Not uncommon among the high pine-woods. Dauford saw them near the Retjezat in autumn. The specimens in the Museum at Klausenburg were shot at Jaroviz^ in the Hesdati mountains. Herr Csato says, in his paper on the natural history of the Retjezat, that this species never leaves the pine- woods.
*52. CucuLus CANORUS, L. Kukuk.
Common in woods^ plains^ and mountains, and to be found
300 Messrs. C. G. Dauford and J. A. Ilarvie Brown on
even at the extreme limit of the wooded region, among the creeping pines.
*53. CoRACiAS GARRULA, L. Z'cJld Csoktt (Green Jackdaw) ; Kalanyya Varju.
Not uncommon during its migrations. The only specimen we saw was in the Mezoseg, near Toliiit. Flocks of this species visit the Strell valley in spring ; and Herr Otto (Zoolo- gical Communications) informs us that unusual numbers ap- peared at Klausenburg in June 1864.
54. Merops API aster, L. Piripio ; Gyui'gydlag.
Local, but, where occurring, found in considerable num- bers. Herr Klir saw many during former visits at Bogat, on the Maros, where they were breeding in the river-banks. They seem, however, to be of a wandering disposition; for although we looked for them at this breeding-place on two occasions, we did not see a single bird, but were always told that they had been there a day or two before. The old nest- ing-holes which we examined in the low earth-banks of the river, were in some instances completely lined with elytra of beetles.
Herr Csato says that in 1850 a great flock appeared at Nagy-oklos, in the Strell valley; and by Bieltz and others Kleinschelken, Birthalen, Nagy-Enyed, Szasvaros, &c. are given as localities.
^55. Alcedo ispida, L. Jeg maddr (Ice-bird).
Generally distributed, and common at Hatzeg in autumn. In summer it frequents the streams among the lower hills. According to Herr Otto it seldom appears in the Mezoseg.
■^56. Upupa epops, L. Bi'idos Banka (Stinking Hoopoe).
Generally distributed and common, especially among old woods where there is a good deal of turf and grass. We found many of them in the Mocsar (swamp) wood at Gor- geny, where they were breeding in deserted Woodpeckers^ holes.
*57. Caprimulgus EUROP^us, L. ; Lappantyii; Kecskfejo. Common. We saw many among the woods at Gorgeny.
the Bii'ds of Transylvania. 301
*58. Cypselus APus (L.). TorowyF(ec5A;e (Tower- Swallow).
Common. According to Bieltz they used to breed in old walls and towers, but do so no longer, but frequent the oak- woods, where they nest in the holes of trees. We found them in the Mocsar wood, and on the castle-hill at Gorgeny.
59. Cypselus melba (L.). Havasi Fecske (Mountain- Swallow).
Rare, but occurring among the higher mountains, where they nest among the rocks, Herr Buda Adam has seen it near Hatzeg; and it has been seen in the Kolos wood near Klausenburg.
^60. Chelidon urbica(L.). FeAerFec^^e (White Swallow).
Common everywhere. Herr Otto, however, writing in 1867, says that the Hirundinidse are diminishing in numbers yearly so fast in Klausenburg that it is to be feared they will altogether disappear, and that " at present scarcely twenty to thirty pairs breed in the town."
*61. HiEUNDo KUSTicA, L. Fw^^i FecsAc (Smoky Swallow). Common everywhere.
■^62. HiRUNDo RiPARiA, L. M«r/2 Fec5^e (Bank-Swallow) . Common everywhere in the neighbourhood of water.
■^63. MusciCAPA coLLARis, Bcchst. Legy Kapo.
Said to be common, especially in lowland woods. We saw them, however, but rarely, in the beech-woods on the Hatzeg mountains, and in the Mocsar oak-forest at Gorgeny,
64. MUSCICAPA ATRICAPILLA, L.
Rarer than the preceding, but occurs among lowland woods.
*65. MusciCAPA PARVA, Bcchst.
Herr Klir, when with us, observed one near Zah ; and it is not uncommon during autumn in some parts of the country, especially on the south-west frontier. Danford saw them at that season on the banks of the Klopotiva, near Rea, among thick bushes ; and some specimens in Herr Buda Adam^s col- lection are from the same locality.
302 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvie Brown on
*G6. MUSCICAPA GRISOLA, L.
Common in gardens and the outskirts of woods.
^Q7. Lanius excubitor, L. Bdba Szarka (Witch Magpie).
Common throughout the low country^ but not abundant. It frequents the edges of woods, and perches high. It may also be seen sitting on the tall reeds of the lakes near Zah. This is the only species of the family which is not altogether migratory.
*68. Lanius minor, Gm. Szarka Kerget'6 (Magpie-hunter) .
Very common in the lowlands ; but, although we procured a good series of males, we did not obtain a single female. They principally frequent the outskirts of woods, gardens, and bushy ground.
*69. Lanius coLLURio, L. Tdvis szuro gebics {^hom-^iick' ing Shrike).
Still commoner in the lowlands than the preceding. This and all the other species of Shrikes rarely occur in the moun- tain districts. We saw one specimen as high up the Gorgeny valley as Fanczal. Fifteen miles lower down, at Gorgeny Szent Imri, they were abundant.
70. Ampelis GARRULUs, L. Selyem Favk i^Wk-t^iW)', Csontos szcirny (Bony-wing).
Not uncommon in winter, especially if the weather be severe. Danford has had specimens sent to him from BanflFy Hunyad ; and Hatzeg, Ganczaga, &c. are given as localities.
^71. Regulus cristatus, Koch.
Common among the pines, and in winter among the lower woods and gardens.
72. Regulus ignicapillus (C. L. Brehm).
Occurs in similar localities, but is rarer than the preceding. A specimen in the Museum at Klausenburg was shot in the gardens attached to the building.
*73. Panurusbiarmicus(L). Bajuszos Czinke(M.ows,i^chedi Tit).
Common among the lakes of the Mezoseg, especially at Zah,
the Birds of Transylvania, 303
where, on still sunny days, we saw many of them at the edges of the reed-beds.
■^74. ^GiTHALus PENDULiNus (L.) . Fuffffo CzinJce.
Rare. Herr Klir, when with us, saw three at a lake near Zah, in the Mezoseg. Bieltz says that he received a nest and eggs which were taken on the Maros river, near Karlshurg, and that it has also been found on the lakes at To vis. Herr Otto remarks that this species only came once (1872) to the Mezoseg, and then disappeared quickly.
*75. AcREDULA CAUDATA (L.). Oszi upo (Little Grey Father) .
Common everywhere among the leafy woods. All the long-tailed Tits that we obtained were of this species, having white heads and pale yellow eyelids ; the latter are conspicuous even in the newly flown young f.
*7Q. Parus CiERULEUs, L. Kek Czinke. Common everywhere.
*77. Parus major, L. Szen Czinke (Coal Tit). Common everywhere.
*78. Parus ater, L. Feny'6 Czinke (Pine Tit).
Common among the mountain pine-woods. We found them on the Fanczal hills, and once saw a pair in a little wood near Tohat.
■^79. Parus palustris, L. Moczdri Czinke. Common everywhere, but most numerous in the pine- woods.
*80. Parus lugubris, Natt. Gydsz Czinke.
Not uncommon. In the early part of the year it frequents mountain localities, living among rocks and brushwood, but descends in the autumn to the low country, where it gene- rally haunts the plum-orchards. Danford saw it in October at Hatzeg.
t We believe that this character, so completely distinguishing the pre- sent bird at all ages from the British form {A. rosea, Blyth), in which the eyelids are red, was first noticed by Messrs. Alston and Harvie Brown in Norway {cf. Dresser, ' Birds of Europe,' pt. 14).
304 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvie Brown on
^81. Parus cristatus, L. Biibds Czinke.
Common among the pines. We found it on the mountains at Fanczal. Herr Csato says, in his paper on the birds of the Retjezat, that this species never leaves the pine-woods.
*83. SiTTA c^sTA, Meyer. Kapds (The Hacker). Common in all deciduous woods.
*83. TicHODROMA MURARiA (L.). K'6 Mdszo ; Kovi Har- l-dly (Rock- Woodpecker).
Local, but not rare. Danford saw one specimen in Sep- tember in the rocky chamois district near Hatzeg. Vajda- Hunyad, Ponorics, Nagy-Enyed, Alvincz, Cronstadt, and Talmatch, near Hermannstadt, are mentioned as localities.
*84. Certhia familiaris, L. Fakusz.
Said to be common, but did not seem so to us, as we saw only one during our recent visit, and, while for three months in the autumn at Hatzeg, Danford observed none. In Herr Buda Adam^s collection is a variety which he considers to be C. brachydactyla.
^85. Troglodytes parvulus (Koch). (Dkor szem (Ox- eye).
Common everywhere, but apparently more abundant in the mountain-valleys.
*86. CiNCLUS aquaticus, Bechst. Vizi Rigo (Water- Thrush) .
Common on all mountain-streams. Specimens obtained by us were evidently of the variety C alhicollis, Vieillot.
*87. TuRDus MERULA, L. FeJcete Rigo.
Common everywhere. It remains throughout the winter.
*88. TuRDUs TORQUATUS, L. Oi'ves Rigo.
Common. It breeds among the mountain- woods, but mi- grates in autumn. We saw a number on the Fanczal moun- tains, at the upper limit of the j)ine-woods, which in that dis- trict is at an elevation of about 4000 feet.
^89. TuRDus viscivoRus, L. Lep Rigo.
Common everywhere, and to some extent migratory. Herr
the Birds of Transylvania. 305
Buda Adam says that it nests among the pines, and he has never found them breeding in the low country. We saw them in the oak-woods at Sztana, near Klausenburg, on the 10th June,
*90. TuRDUs PILARIS, L. Fcnyo Rigo (Pine-Thrush).
Most of the authorities whom we have been able to consult agree in saying that this bird remains the whole year, or, at all events, that some of them breed in the country. Herr v. Pelzeln informs us that it is very likely to be found breeding in Transylvania, as it has done so regularly for the last three years in Moravia. The breeding- range of this species appears to be extending in a southerly direction. Herr Buda Adam is quite certain that it nests, and says that be has seen them in companies during the summer months among the pine- woods. He is quite sure it was no other bird.
^91. TuRDUs iLiACUS (L.). Veres Rigo (Red Thrush). Bather rare, and only to be found in autumn and winter. Danford saw both this and the preceding species at Hatzeg.
^92. TuRDUs Musicus, L. Enekl'6 Rigo ; SzUrke Rigo {Grey Thrush).
Common everywhere, especially among vineyards in autumn. It does not winter in the country.
*93. MoNTicoLA CYANUS (L.). Kek Rigo (Blue Thrush).
Very rare. Bieltz says it was obtained by Herr Stetter at Offenbanya ; and it has also been met with among the ravines near Cronstadt.
*94. MoNTicoLA SAXATiLis (L.). KoviRigo.
Not uncommon in. most rocky mountain districts, and in summer to be found on the highest peaks. We came across them in the plain near Klopotiva, at the base of the Hatzeg mountains. This was in April, and they had evidently just arrived. Herr W. Hausmann, writing of this species, says : — " They often nest in the hollows of limestone rocks, the nest being composed of dried grasses, feathers, and wool, somewhat carelessly made, and containing four to six eggs. They come generally in the end of April or beginning of May. There seem to be more cocks than hens,"
SER. III. VOL. v. z
306 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvie Brown on
*95. RuTiciLLA PHCENicuRUSj L. F'usti juvk {^moVv tidX) .
Tolerably common everywhere.
*96. RuTiciLLATiTYs(Scop.). Black Redstart. Feketebegy.
Not uncommon in most rocky neighbourhoods. We saw them in the Klopotiva gorge, near Hatzeg. Hcrr Csato says they breed at Ponorics, in the Strell valley ; and they ascend the Retjezat to the region of the creeping pine. HH. Csato and Buda Adiim observed them at an altitude of 5500-7000 feet.
*97. Cyanecula wolfi, C. L. Brehm. Kek begy.
Rare, but occurs occasionally near water. We only met with them once, on the banks of the lake at Ziih. They also occur in the valley of the Strell. The specimens in the Museiim at Klausenburg are from Zah.
Obs. Bieltz alludes to the blue unspotted variety, a speci- men of which was shot by Herr Stetter at Batiz, on the Strell ; and Mr. Dresser informs us {in epist.) that the true C.suecica of Linnaeus is almost certain to occur during migi'ation.
*98. Erithacus RUBECULA (L.). Robin. Veres begy.
Said to be common ; but we only saw a single bird, at Gor- geny. It is migratory, arriving with the spring flight of Woodcocks, and departing with them in autumn. Some few, however, remain until the first fall of snow.
■5^99. Daulias LUSCiNiA (L.). Fiilemile; Csalogdny. Common throughout the country in the leafy woods, coming in April and leaving in September.
100. Daulias Philomela (Bechst.). Dalabdj.
Said to be as common as the preceding, and to frequent more the neighbourhood of water. We probably saw it at Gorgeny.
*101. Saxicola (enanthe (L.). Szikla maddr (Rock-bird).
Common everywhere.
*102. PrATINCOLA RUBICOLA (L.) .
Common everywhere.
*103. Pratincola rubetra (L.). Common everywhere.
the Birds of Transylvania. 307
*104. Accentor collaris (Scop.). Havasi Csalogdny (Mountain- Nightingale) .
Not uncommon among the hills, among loose stones and grassy slopes. Danford met with them in September, at an elevation of about 6000 feet, in the mountains near Hatzeg. They often descend to the low country, and, according to Bieltz, were to be found every year in companies of twenty to thirty on the castle-hill at Deva, from the end of December up to the middle of January.
*105. Accentor MODULARis (L.)- Bdjdalu zener.
Common, according to some authorities, Avhile others say it is only to be met with in the mountain- woods, and that but rarely. Herr Csato says it is to be found in the valley of the Strell at tbe end of autumn and the beginning of May. It ascends to an elevation of 5500 to 7000 feet, wbere it has been found by HH. Csato and Buda Adam on the Betjezat. We saw none during our visit ; but Danford has since met with it among gardens near Hatzeg, during October of the present year.
^106. Sylvia nisoria (Bechst) . Kukuk Fiilemile (Cuckoo Nightingale.)
Well distributed and not rare. We met with it at Zah and Grorgeny, both in the old woods and among small bushes, but only procui'ed specimens of immature birds. It also occurs in the Strell valley, nesting at Buss.
107. Sylvia salicaria (L.). Fattyu Fiilemile (Bastard Nightingale) .
Not uncommon in gardens and bushy ground, and observed on the Betjezat by HH. Csato and Buda Adam.
*108. Sylvia ATRicAPiLLA (L.). Fekete fejii zener .
Common in woods near hills. We found them at Gorgeny, and procured a specimen in the wood near Zah. It was also observed on the Betjezat by HH. Csato and Buda Adam.
^109. Sylvia curruca (L.). Very abundant.
z 2
308 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvie Brown on
110. Sylvia rufa (Bodd.).
The Common Wliitethroat is common^ but not so abun- dant as the last.
111. Phylloscopus siBiLATRix (Bechst.).
Common among the woods of the plains and low country, and also observed on the Retjczat by IIH. Csato and Buda Adam.
^112. Phylloscopus trochilus (L.).
Not uncommon among woods and gardens and the willow trees in meadows. Seen on the Retjezat by HH. Csato and Buda Adam.
113. Phylloscopus bonellii (Vieill.).
There is a specimen in the Klausenburg Museum^ which was shot in the museum-garden in May 1873. It was also killed by Herr Stetter at Batiz, on the Strell, in March 1845.
■^114. Phylloscopus collybita (Vieill.). Chiff-Chaff. Arany farh (Gold-tail). Common everywhere.
115. Hypolais icterina (Vieill.).
Not common. It occurs among orchards and leafy hill- woods at Hcrmannstadt and Schassburg. Herr Csato has met with it on the banks of the Strell ; and some specimens at Klausenburg were shot in the museum-garden.
■^11(1 AcROCEPHALUS SCHCENOBjENUS (L.).
Very common everywhere.
117. AcROCEPHALUS AQUATICUS (Gm.) .
Very rare. A specimen shot by Herr Buda Adam at Rea, near Hatzeg, is in his collection^ labelled -S^. cariceti.
118. AcROCEPHALUS N^viA (Bodd.). Priicsok zener.
Not rare by bushy river- banks, and, according to Bieltz, still oftener to be found among damp leafy woods. Herr Csato says they breed in the bushy meadows between Bac- zahir and Strell Szent Gyorgy.
119. AcROCEPHALUS LUSCINIOIDES (Savi).
Herr Buda Adam savs of this bird, that in 1863 there were
the Birds of Transylvania. 309
many of them nesting among the reeds and willows near Hatzeg, but since that time he has seen none. Herr Csato mentions that, in May and June of the same year, Herr Buda and himself shot some specimens in the Kriseny marsh, and further says : — " It is not shy, and sits on the top leaves of reeds, uttering its grating note [schwirrenden Ton] from early morn till night/^ He has happened to hear A. lusci- nioides, A. locustella {rayi, Penn.), and A. fluviatilis all to- gether, and makes the following distinctions : —
A. luscinioides. Buzzing note weaker, one-toned, and shorter than fluviatilis. Sits on the upper leaves and dry tops, and is only found in marshes.
A. fluviatilis. Buzzing note double-toned, loudest, and longest. Sits on branches of alders, near the trunk, and on bushes and ferns.
A. locustella. Buzzing note weakest. Sits on the top twigs of willows.
■^120. ACROCEPHALUS FLUVIATILIS { Wolf ) .
Not uncommon among the reedy lakes of the Mezoseg and other localities, but, from their mouse-like habit of running and creeping at the bottom of the reed-stems, are rather ditii- cult to obtain. We found them at Tohat and Zah.
121. AcROCEPHALUS PALUSTRIS (Bcchst.).
Common in marshy and willowy ground. Herr Csato says it nests in the hemp- and rye-fields in the Strell valley.
*122. AcROCEPHALUs sTREPERus (VieiU.). Common in marshes and by river-banks.
■^123. AcROCEPHALUs ARUNDiNACEus (L.) . NcUU Vcreb (Reed-Sparrow).
Very common in the Mezoseg, their harsh grating cry re- sounding from among the reed-beds in every direction.
"^124. MoTAciLLA ALBA, L. White Wagtail. Common everywhere.
^125. MoTACiLLA suLPHUREA, Bechst. Grey Wagtail. Havasi Billegeny (Mountain- Wagtail) .
Rare in the low country, but getting commoner as one ap-
310 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvie Brown on
preaches the mountains. Only one specimen seems to have been observed in the Mezciseg, at Gyeke, by Herr Otto.
126. MOTACILLA CITREOLA (Pall.),
Bieltz says that this bird was got by Herr Stetter at Sza- mos-falva, near Klausenburg, and is probably to be found in most of the salt-districts.
*\27. MoTACiLLA iLAVA, L. Leunyku maddr (Girl-bird).
Very common in the low countries, especially in the Mezoseg.
Obs. Herr Otto says two varieties are found in the Mezo- seg, and from his description the other would appear to be Budytes cinei'eocapilla.
^'128. Anthus spipoletta (L.). Vizi Pipiske.
Common. It remains during the greater part of its stay in the country, among the high grassy mountain-slopes. We found it on the Fanczal Berg at an elevation of 4000 feet ; and Danford saw them on the Hatzeg mountains as high up as 7000 feet, while later in the autumn they were not un- common on the banks of the Klopotiva, near Hatzeg. They also occur in the Mezoseg, near Gyeke.
*129. Anthus trivialis (L.). Fdi Pipiske. Common throughout the country, but does not remain over the winter.
■^130. Anthus pratensis (L.). Reti Pipiske.
It does not seem to be so common as the Tree-Pipit, and is also migratory, coming during spring in flocks, and leaving in October. It breeds in the marshes at Kriseny, in the Strell valley.
131, Anthus cervinus (Pall.).
Rare. There are two specimens in full breeding-plumage in the Klausenburg Museum, which were shot in April 1867 at Gyeke, in the Mezoseg, by Herr Klir; and Herr Otto makes mention of its occurring on migration (A Mezoseg I. &c. 1869), and remaining a considerable time (A Mezoseg II. &c.).
the Birds of Transylvania. 311
132. Anthus cAMPESTRis (L.). Me^ei P^j^^*A;e (Field-Pipit). Not uncommon on fallow lands and dry elevations on the
plains. Herr Csato says they are to be found on the banks of the Strell in autumn.
133. Anthus ricardi, Vieill.
Very rare. A specimen at Klausenburg was shot in the museum-garden in September 1871.
Obs. Stetter mentions A. littoralis as occurring; but it is undoubtedly A. spipoletta that is meant.
*134. Alauda ARVENsis, L. Mezei Pacsirta {Y'leXdi-JjQxk).
The birds of this species which we saw (and they were not many) appeared to frequent the higher parts of the Mezoseg, leaving the lower ground almost entirely to the crested species, with which they are said to be equally common ; not, how- ever, in winter, as they arrive in March and leave in October.
^135. Alauda arborea, L. Erdei Pacsirta.
Not very common, and also migratory. It arrives in March. We saw them at Gorgeny on the borders of the Mocsar wood. They were found also on the Retjezat by HH. Csato and Buda Adam.
*136. Alauda cristata (L.). Bubos Pacsirta. Very common everywhere.
137. Melanocorypha calandra (L.).
Bieltz says of this bird that it is more uncommon than one would expect, as it is not rare in the adjoining countries of Wallachia and Galicia. According to Herr Buda it is of very rare occurrence. It has been procured at Koncza by Herr Csato (auct. Graf Lazar) .
138. Melanocorypha sibirica (Gm.).
Very rare. The first specimen known to have occurred in the country was shot by Herr Buda Carl in a clay-hole at Koncza on December 24th, 1855.
139. Otocorys alpestris (L.) .
Of very rare occurrence, and only seen in hard winters. In 1856 they appeared in considerable numbers, and a good
3VZ The Birds of Transylvania.
many were obtained at Ganczaga, on the Strell, by Herr Buda Elek.
^140. Emberiza miliaria, L. Surde. Very common everywhere.
"^141. Emberiza citrinella, L. Sdrnidntyu. Common everywhere.
142. Emberiza cirlus, L.
This species has been obtained at Koncza by Herr Csato (auct. Graf Lazar) .
^143. Emberiza cia (L.).
Local. Breeds in the mountains_, and. comes down to the low country in autumn. We found a few in April among the rocks and bushes in the Klopotiva gorge, near Hatzeg. Herr Csato says they breed in tlie bushy ground about the ruins of the castle at Orlya.
■^^144. Emberiza sch(eniclus, L. Nddi Vereb. Common in all marshy districts.
145. Emberiza pyrrhuloides (Pall.).
We saw two specimens in Herr Buda Adam^s collection, which he had got in spring time at Koncza, near Miihlbach. He says they are very rare.
146. Plectrophanes nivalis (L.).
Herr Buda says that he has seen them occasionally at Hatzeg; and according to Bieltz they have been found at Topanfalva.
*147. Passer montanus (L.) . Mezei Vereb (Field- Sparrow) , Common everywhere.
^148. Passer domesticus (L.). Hdzi Vereb (House- Sparrow) .
Common everywhere.
Obs. Bieltz says that he thinks it probable that P. petronia (L.) also occurs, as it has been found in the Gallician Car- pathians.
[To be continued,]
On the Nidification of certain South-Indian Birds. 313
XXII. — On the Nidification of certain South-Indian Birds. By Rhodes W. Morgan.
1. HiRUNDO DOMicoLAj Jcrdon.
Breeds in the Neilgherries in the roofs of houses and ve- randas, also on large rocks and cliffs. In shape the nest resembles a pocket or the half of a teacup. It is formed of small clay pellets agglutinated together with the saliva of the bird, and is very firmly cemented to the face of the rock. The lining consists of feathers. The eggs are generally two in number, minutely speckled with claret-coloui'ed spots on a whitish ground, the spots being gathered together in a zone at the larger end. Average length '77 inch, breadth -5.
2. COLLOCALIA FRANCICA (Gm.).
Breeds from March to May. I know of the existence of three breeding-places on the Neilgherries. One is well known to the residents under the name of the " Tiger^s Den.^^ It is situated on the road from Ootacamund to Coonoor, and is about three miles distance from the former place. The other two were discovered by myself near the Pykarah water- falls ; one, in a cliff between two huge boulders of rock, is of considerable size, and branches ofl* into two passages. After penetrating for about twenty feet, you come to two passages at right angles to one another ; the main passage descends ab- ruptly for about twelve feet. I managed to get down this by the aid of ropes, and found myself knee-deep in excrement ; and almost at the same moment a perfect shower of filth de- scended on my head from above. The nests Avere situated at the extreme end of the passage, on the face of the rock. They were constructed entirely of inspissated saliva mixed with moss, lichen, and a few feathers. In shape they were pre- cisely similar to the nests sold in the Chinese markets. Each nest contained two eggs, which were of a pure white, and much elongated. The measurement of an egg in my collec- tion is as follows — length '85 inch, diameter across "54.
3. Caprimulgus indicus, Latham.
This Nightjar breeds in all the forests and thick brush- wood jungles of Southern India. Its monotonous note may
314 Mr. R. W. Morgan on the Nidification
be heard the livelong night in the breeding-season, which is in March. The eggs are generally two in number, and are placed in a slight depression in the gi'ound under some low bush. The egg is rather a pretty one, being thickly blotched with faint lilac and reddish brown on a salmon-coloured ground. Length -98 inch, breadth -58.
4. Caprimulgus kelaarti, Blyth.
Like the preceding species, this breeds in March. The eggs are lighter in colour, being of a pinkish InifF, blotched with pale violet-brown. On one occasion I found the eggs laid on a heap of ashes. The dimensions of one in my col- lection are I'll inch in length by -82 in diameter across.
5. Merops viRiDis, Linnseus.
Breeds in river-banks in large numbers. There are large colonies of Bee-eaters that breed annually on the banks of the Kistna and Canary rivers. These colonies consist of M. viridis, M. quinticolor , and M. philijjpensis. The two former breed largely also on the Coonoor and Segoor Ghauts of the Neilgherries. The small green Bee-eater generally lays five eggs, which are very nearly round, and, like the eggs of the rest of the family, of a pure and glossy white. The average size is '74 inch in length by '65 in breadth. Breeds in April.
6. CoRACiAS iNDicA, Liunseus.
The Indian Roller breeds in March in holes of trees. The tamarind and banyan are generally chosen for this pur- pose. The eggs are usually two in number, and of a pure and glossy white. There is no nest. In size the eggs average 1"39 inch in length by 1*13 in breadth.
7. Megal^ma caniceps (Franklin).
This Barbet breeds in the Neilgherries in March. It ex- cavates a chamber in a decayed branch of a tree, and deposits three beautiful white eggs on the chips at the bottom. Al- most immediately after the young have flown it lays a second batch of eggs, generally in the same hole — but if that has been destroyed, in a fresh one, which it excavates in the same or a neighbouring branch. In size the egg is 1*12 inch in length by '9 in breadth.
of certain South- Indian Birds. 315
8. Megal^ma viridis (Gmelin) .
Lays three glossy white and rather elongated oval eggs in a tunnel excavated by itself in a decayed branch. In size the egg is 1 inch in length by '58 in breadth.
9. CoccYSTES JACOBiNus (Bodd.).
Deposits a single egg of a very brilliant greenish blue, the greenish tinge predominating, in the nest of Malacocercus griseus. Both extremities of the egg are alike in shape. Lays from March to May. Before dropping its own egg it always ejects one of the eggs of the rightful owner. Dimen- sions of an egg 1"81 inch in length by "Si in breadth.
10. Centropus RUFiPENNis, lUigcr.
Breeds in dense thorny bushes, building a domed nest with an aperture in the side. The nest is composed of green leaves and twigs carelessly woven together. The eggs are from two to three in number, and of a dull white. They are covered with a chalky epidermis, which, when removed, leaves the shell of a pure white, and not of a beautiful blue as in the case of Crotophaga ani. The dimensions of an egg in my collection are 1'5 inch in length by 1*21 in breadth.
11. Nectarophila ZEYLONicA (Linuseus).
This little Sun-bird breeds all over the plains of Southern India. The bird often selects a cobweb in which to build its nest ; and this is so ingeniously built that it is impossible to detect the existence of the nest unless the cobweb is examined. The eggs are two in number, and of a pale greenish white, minutely speckled with dusky grey. Dimensions : "62 inch in length by '46 in breadth.
12. Arachnechthra asiatica (Latham).
The purple Honey-sucker builds a nest very similar to the preceding. It breeds both on the plains and in the hills, ascending the Neilgheries to an elevation of 6000 feet. The nest is composed of small twigs, pieces of grass and leaves, and is lined with the down of thistles and silk-cotton. It is generally adorned with the excrement of caterpillars, small bits of rag, paper, &c. A pair that built in front of my office
31G Mr. 11. W. Morgan uii the Nidijication
at Kiirnool, in an acacia-tree, had the most extraordinary nest I have ever seen. It was ornamented with bits of blot- ting-paper, twine, and old service-stamps that had been left lying about. The whole structure was most compactly bound together with cobwebs, and had a long string of caterpillar- excrement wound round it. This excrement had most pro- bably fallen on a cobweb and had stuck to it, and the cobweb had afterwards been transported in strips to the nest. It breeds from February to June, the majority of the nests being constructed in March and April. The eggs are thickly spotted with dusky brown on a greenish grey ground, the usual number being three. Dimensions of an egg in my col- lection '65 inch in length by "46 in breadth.
13. Dictum concolor, Jerdon.
This little bird breeds in March, building a beautiful little pendulous nest at the extreme end of a small twig, some twenty or thirty feet from the ground. The tree usually chosen in the cantonment at Ootacamund, on the Neilgher- ries, is the Acacia melanoxylon. The nest is built of the silky down of some tree, and bound together with very fine fibres. The entrance is at the side. The eggs are beautifully white and fragile-looking, usually two in number. Measurements of one in my collection are as follows — '7 inch in length by '45 in breadth. Owing to the great height at which these birds build, large numbers of their nests are torn off and blown down if the weather becomes at all windy.
14. Dendrophila FRONTALIS (Horsficld) .
Breeds in holes of trees, preferring the deserted ones ex- cavated by Megalcema caniceps. The nest is built of moss, and lined with the fluff of hares and soft feathers. The eggs are always four in number, spotted with pinkish red on a white ground, the spots being more numerous towards the larger end. They breed in March. Dimensions : "71 inch long by '57 broad.
15. Upupa nigripennis, Grould.
Breeds in holes of trees in April. The eggs are of a dull light olive, rather elongated in shape, and from three to six n number. There is never any nest; and the hole in which
of certain South-Indian Birds. 317
the eggs arc depositeil has often a most intolerable steneh about it. Dimensions of an egg 1 inch in length by '7 in breadth.
16. BUCHANGA ATRA (Hcmi.)^.
Breeds from March to the end of May, constructing a slight cup-shaped nest in a tree. The nest is composed of fine twigs bound together with cobwebs, and is rather a flimsy concern, the eggs often being visible from below. It is generally placed in the fork of a branch, at from ten to thirty feet from the ground. The eggs are three in number, occasionally only two, and vary very greatly in colour, some being almost of a pure white, whilst others again are spotted and blotched, es- pecially at the larger end, with claret and light purple on a rich salmon-coloured ground. The birds are very noisy in the breeding-season, keeping all intruders off, not hesitating to attack Kites and Crows. They seem to have an especial antipathy to the latter. The dimensions of an egg are 1"07 inch in length by '99 in breadth.
17. Leucocerca pectoralis (Jerdon).
The nest of this lively little bird is very difficult to find. The first I ever discovered had been within a couple of feet of my head for more than an hour ; and it was only when my dog-boy attracted my attention by pulling it down, and say- ing, '^ What a very odd-looking nest this is," that I saw it. It contained three eggs of a light hair-brown colour, with a ring of darker spots of the same colour at the larger end. It was shaped like a funnel, and was constructed entirely of fibrous grasses bound together with cobwebs, and was lined with very fine grass stems. The eggs averaged "6 in length by "5 in breadth. The nest is usually placed very low down, some two or three feet from the ground ; and when discovered the bird flies out and flutters feebly along the ground in front of you, trying to allure you away.
18. Empidothera cinereocapilla (Vieillot).
This Flycatcher breeds in March and April, building a nest of fine moss, which is attached like a pocket to the mossy trunk of some large shola-tree. The nest is almost invariably
* [Museicapa atra, Hermaun, Obs. Zool. p. 208 (1804)].
318 Mr. R. W. Morgan on the Nidification
built under a branch or some other projection to shelter it from the rain^ and is very securely attached with cobwebs to prevent it from being blown down. The eggs are almost al- ways three in number, of a very faint greenish-grey colour, with a wide zone of the same (but darker) coloiu' at the larger end. Dimensions of one, '62 inch in length by "51 in breadth. I have never found its nest on the plains.
19. OCHROMELA NIGRORUFA ( Jcrdou) .
This very beautiful little Flycatcher breeds in ravines where the shade and cover is very dense. The nest is built entirely of bamboo-leaves, and is lined with fine fibres. It is placed very low down, from six inches to two feet from the ground ; a clump of fern is a very favourite situation. The eggs are two in number, and are very minutely and thickly speckled with faint reddish-brown on a pale olive ground, the whole of the upper part having a regular cap of reddish brown. Dimensions of one, -74 inch in length by '54 in breadth.
20. EUMYIAS ALBICAUDATA ( Jcrdou) .
Breeds in holes of trees from February to May. The nest is constructed of moss, and is lined with fine fibres. The eggs are from two to three in number, being almost entirely covered with numerous pale rusty-red spots running into one another, sometimes forming a zone at the larger end, at others so com- pletely covering the egg as to give it the appearance of being entirely of a reddish pink, the colour being always darker to- wards the larger end. Dimensions of an egg '85 inch by '54.
21. Erythrosterna maculata (Tickell).
Builds a small, shallow, round nest, open at the top, in small trees, at from twelve to twenty feet from the ground. The eggs are three in number, spotted, and blotched with brownish black, the spots forming a zone at the larger end. The nest is a very pretty one, being covered all over with small pieces of lichen, which give it a greyish appearance. Although the walls are very thin, they are very strong, being compactly bound with cobweos. The bird, when seated on its nest, is scarcely visible. The bird itself is by no means a common one ; and I have foimd but one nest, on the Seeg-
of certain South-Indian Birds. 319
hoor Ghaut of tlie Neilgherries. Mr, Davison found another, prior to the one I discovered, on an apple-tree in Ootacamund. I am indebted to him for the only egg I possess, and the dimensions of which are as follows — length '65 inch, by '51 in breadth.
22. Myiophonus horsfieldi. Vigors.
I found the nest of this Thrush on the Seeghoor Ghaut of the Neilgherries. Mr. Davison was with me at the time ; and the nest being built on an open ledge of rock, we both sighted it at the same moment ; and I, having managed to make better use of my legs than my friend, w as fortunate enough to secure it, and one egg, which was of a pale flesh-colour, with a few faint spots and blotches of claret towards the larger end. The nest was made of leaves and moss mixed with clay, and lined with fine roots. The dimensions of the egg are 1*3 inch in length and "85 in breadth. It was in May that I found this egg ; but the nest had evidently been deserted for some time ; for the egg had a hole in its side, through which the contents had escaped or been sucked by a snake or some animal.
23. Geocichla cyanotus (Jard. & Selb.).
Breeds in the forests of the western coast in August and September, building in small trees. The nest is composed of grass, leaves, twigs, &c., with the usual clay foundation which is found in almost all Thrush's nests, and is lined with fine roots and hairs. The eggs are from three to four in number, of a pale greyish blue colour, thickly speckled with minute reddish brown spots. The average dimensions are "95 inch in length by '77 in breadth.
24. Merula siMiLLiMA (Jcrdou) .
Breeds on the Neilgherries from March to May, building a large nest of moss, twigs, wool, &c., with a clay cup in it, which is neatly lined with bent-grass and roots. The eggs are three in number, irregularly blotched with reddish brown, the blotches being more numerous towards the larger end, on a pale greenish blue ground. This Blackbird sings most beautifully in the breeding-season; and they may then be heard at all hours, but especially towards evening, answering
320 Mr. R. W. Morgan on the Nidification
one another. Dimensions of an egg 1'26 inch in length by '91 in breadth.
25. Oreocincla nilgiriensis, Blyth.
This handsome Thrush breeds from March to June on the Neilglierries, ahnost invariably on some low tree, some six or eight feet from the ground. The nest is very much like that of the preceding species^ and usually contains three eggs, of a pale greenish blue colour, minutely speckled with rusty brown. They average in size 1*21 inch in length by "82 inch in breadth. This Thrush may usually be seen seated on the topmost branch of some large shola-tree late in the evening. It utters every now and then a single clear warbling note, but appears to have no song.
26. POMATORHINUS HORSFIELDI, SykcS.
Breeds in April, constructing a neat domed nest of leaves on the ground at the foot of a bush. The nest is lined with fine grasses, and almost always contains three eggs, which, when fresh, are of a beautiful pink coloiu-, owing to the yelk shining through the shell, which is exceedingly fragile. The egg, when blown, is of a very beautiful glossy white. If sud- denly approached whilst on its nest, this bird, runs out like a rat, and flies when at a distance from the nest. An egg in my collection measures 1*04 by "7 inch.
27. Trochalopteron cachinxaxs (Sykes).
Builds a very neat nest of moss, dried leaves, and the outer husk of the fruit of the Brazil-cherry (a Solanum) , lined with feathers, bits of fur, and other soft substances. The nest is cup-shaped, and generally contains three eggs, most peculiarly marked with blotches, streaks, and wavy lines of a dark claret- colour on a light-blue gi'ound. The markings are almost always at the larger end. The Laughing Thrush is a very noisy bird, the female uttering a loud and harsh ka, ka, ka, to which the male responds j9ee-« ka, ka, pee-e, a-ka, kaka ; the two birds seem to utter the cry alike. When the nest is first discovered the owners come hopping near, uttering a low croaking cry that sounds like kore, kore, kore. An egg in my possession measures -98 inch in length by "73 in lireadth.
of certain South-Indian Birds. 321
28. Hypsipetes neilgherriexsis, Jerdon.
Breeds in lofty trees in the Neilghcrries, building a shallow cup-shaped nest, from 20 to 60 feet from the ground. The nest is constructed of the dried stems of the wild " Forget- me-not/' and lined with a moss much resembling black horse- hair. The eggs, which are two in number, are pretty thickly spotted with pale lilac and claret on a light pink ground- colour. I found these birds migrating in vast flights, num- bering several thousands, in the Bolumputty valley in July. They were flying westwards towards Malabar. The dimen- sions of an egg are 1 inch by "73.
29. Otocompsa jocosa (Linnaeus).
Builds a nest similar to the preceding, but with thicker sides. The nest is generally built in some low dense bush, and contains from two to three eggs, very minutely and thickly spotted with pinkish claret on a pale pink ground, the spots being very close together. An egg measured '97 inch in length by '68 in breadth. Breeds from March to May.
30. Pratincola atrata, Blyth.
Breeds in holes of banks from February to May, laying three or four pale greenish-blue eggs, minutely speckled with reddish brown, the dots forming a very distinct zone at the larger end. The nest is constructed of moss, pieces of old rag, frayed bits of grass, &c., and is lined with feathers and the dried droppings of the wild cat [Felis chaus) , which, being principally composed of rat's fur, are very soft ; the nest in consequence is often rather odorous. An eg^ measured "78 inch by '^.
31. Prinia socialis, Sykes.
Builds in March, constructing a very neat pendent nest, which is artfully concealed, and supported by sewing one or two leaves round it. This is very neatly done with the fine silk which surrounds the eggs of a small brown spider. The nest is generally built of fine grass, and contains three eggs of a bright brick-colour with a high polish. The entrance to the nest is at the top, and a little on one side. An e^g measured '7 inch in length by -48 in breadth.
SER. III. VOL. V. 2 A
322 Mr. R, W, Morgan on the Nidification
32. Drymoipus inornatus (Sykes).
Builds a neat pendent nest in long grass on the Neilghcr- ries. The nest is composed entirely of short pieces of grass felted together^ and is very compact. The eggs are three in number, aud are of a blue colour, with large blotches and hair-like streaks of a dark reddish brown at the upper end. An egg measured '69 inch by '5.
33. ZosTEROPS PALPEBROsus (Tcmminck) .
Builds a pretty little cup-shaped nest of golden-coloured moss and thistle-down, lined with silk-cotton. The nest is generalh^ built low down. The eggs are two in number, rarely three, and are of an exceedingly pale bhie; "71 inch in length by '51 in breadth.
34. Parus cinereus, Vieillot.
Breeds in March and April in holes of trees, laying from two to four eggs, which are white with a few pink spots at the larger end. The nest is composed entirely of soft fur. This little Tit may frequently be seen in the vicinity of stables, in the breeding-season, where it comes for the sake of the horse-hair which is thrown out after the horses are groomed in the morning. I have found many nests entirely composed of this substance, with a few stray bits of wild cat^s dung. An egg I measured was "7 inch in length by '51 in breadth.
35. ACRIDOTHERES MAHRATTENSIS (Sykcs) .
Breeds on the Neilgherries in holes of trees. The hole is filled up with sticks to within about a foot of the entrance, and a smooth lining of paper, rags, feathers, &c. laid down, on which are deposited from two to six light-blue eggs. The young are fed on small frogs, grasshoppers, and fruit. An egg measured 1*2 inch by "88. Breeds in May.
36. ESTRELDA AMANDAVA (LinUSeUs) .
Breeds on the Neilgherries in August and September, build- ing a large domed nest of grass, with the entrance in the side. Several females seem to lay in the same nest ; for I have found as many as fourteen eggs in a nest, and have seen five birds fly out. The eggs are pure white, and average "62 inch in length by "45 in breadth.
of certain South-Indian Birds. 323
37. Palumbus elphixstoxi (Sykes).
Breeds in March and April in the dense woods of the Neil- gherries^ depositing its single glossy white eg^ on a loosely constructed platform of sticks some eight or ten feet from the ground. Dimensions of an egg I "55 inch by 1"21.
38. Sypheotides auritus (Latham).
Breeds in April and May in low scruh-jungle. The eggs are laid under a bush, in a slight hollow ; they are generally two in number, thickly blotched at the larger end with hair- brown, and more sparsely all over with slate-coloured and dark brown dots. One in my cabinet measures I "99 inch in length by 1*3 in breadth.
39. Sarciophorus bilobus (Gmelin).
Breeds at the same time and in the same manner as the preceding. The eggs are from two to three in number; blotched and irregularly streaked with dark slate and umber- brown on a light buff ground. They average 1*5 inch in length by 1*01 in breadth.
40. CEdicnemus crepitans (Temminck).
I shot a female of this bird in Kurnool in May, and, on dis- secting it, discovered a fuUy developed egg, which I find is different from the eggs of CE. crepitans as found in Europe. I examined a fine series in Mr. Dresser^s collection, and find that the egg in my possession is entirely different in coloration, being of a dirty white with a very few small yellowish-brown blotches. This egg appeared to be perfectly ready for exclusion. It measured 1*8 inch in length by 1*33 in breadth.
41. Gallinula phoenicurus (Forster).
Breeds in low bushes in October, laying four or five light- brown eggs, speckled Avith numerous small, round, black dots evenly distributed over the whole sui'face. An egg obtained in Mysore measures 2 inches in length by 1*39 in breadth.
2 a2
321 Mr. R. B. Sharpc on the Genus Strix.
XXIII. — Contributions to a History of the Accipitres. The Genus Strix of Linnceus, and its Type. By R. Bowdlek Sharpe, F.L.S., F.Z.S.j &c., of the Zoological Department, British Museum.
As Professor Newton and Mr. Salvin {anfea, p. 66) hold different views as to which species of Owl should be desig- nated as the type of the Linnaean genus Strix, I must preface the following notes by expressing my sense of the difficulty of attempting a settlement of the question, especially as the former ornithologist has done such excellent work in his re- vision of the nomenclature of European birds in his new edition of ' Yarrell.'
Having, however, been lately forced to determine this ques- tion for myself, with regard to a redistribution of the genera of Owls for the second volume of my ' Catalogue of Birds,' I believe that a publication of the method by which I have assigned the types of the genera Stria: and Asio may lead to a profitable discussion.
In 1766 Linnaeus published his 12th edition of the ' Sys- •tema Naturae,' the standard work whence most ornithologists commence their inquiries. In this book he characterized his genus Stria: ; of which he knew only twelve species, and these he divided into two sections : —
«. auriculatse, pennis auricularum instar exstantium. 1. huho, 2. scandiaca, 3, asio, 4. otus, 5. scops. /8. inauriculatse.
6. nyctea, 7. aluco, ^. flammea, 9. stridula, 10. ulula, 11. funerea, 12. passer ina.
It simplifies matters to remember that Nos. 2 and 6 refer to the same species, while No. 9 is identical with No. 7, and No. 11 with No. 10.
By Rule 2 of the British-Association code we are permitted to retain certain Brissonian genera, " which are additional to those in the 12th edition of Linnaeus." We may therefore adopt Brisson's genus Asio (Orn. i. p. 28), in which he pro- poses to place the Horned Owls. It is prettv evident that this arrangement of Brisson's influenced Linnaeus in his clas-
Mr. R. B. Sharpc on the Genus Strix. 325
sification of the genus Strix; for his Striges auriculatoi an- swer to the genus Ash. Thus the suborder Striges, as deter- mined by Linnaeus and Brisson, is as follows : —
Genus Asio^ Briss.
1. Asio bubo (L.) ; 2. Asio scandiaca (L.) ; 3. Asia asio
(L.) ; 4. Asio otus (L.) {Asio, Briss.) ; 5. Asio scops (L.).
Genus Strix, Linn, (partim).
In this would come all the Owls mentioned above, viz. Nos. 6. to 12.
Beyond the pubhcation of numerous other species by Sco- poli, Latham, Gmelin, and others, no additions to the generic nomenclature of the Owls appear to have been made till 1799, when Cuvier, in his ' Le9ons d^ Anatomic comparee ^ (table ii.), divid(;d them into Hibous {Otus) and Chouettes {Strix). No types are indicated ; and it is evident that this is a revival of the old Brissonian arrangement, so that Otus of Cuvier is merely a synonym of Asio of Brisson.
In 1806 Dumeril published his ' Zoologie Analytique •/ and here the arrangement is affected by the removal of the Hawk Owls (Nos. 10, 11, Linn.) to the genus Surnia. His genus Bubo, of which he is so often quoted as the proposer, is a nominal one only, and is said by him to contain the Horned Owls of Linnaeus. Thus Bubo of J)\xviie,x'A^= Asio of Brisson. Before considering the revolution worked by Savigny, it may be well to set down the exact state of the classification of Owls after DumeriFs modification : —
1. Asio, Briss. {Otus, Cuv. j Bubo, Dura.)
1. A, bubo (L.) ; 2. A. scandiaca (L.) ; 3. A. asio (L.) ; 4. A. otus (L.) ; 5. A. scops (L.).
2. Strix, Linn. {Sti'ix, Briss., Cuv.)
6. S, nyctea, L. ; 7. S. aluco (L. : stridula, L.) ; 8. S.jlam- mea, L. ; 9. *S^. passerina.
3. SuRNiA, Dumeril. 10. /8. idula (L.) ; 11. S.funerea (L.).
32G Mr. 11. B. Sharpc on the Genus Strix.
In ]809 Savigny (Descr. de FEgypte, 8vo, p. 291) published an entire revision of the Striges, and defined all his genera in an orthodox fashion. His was by far the most scientific of the ornithological works published up to his time ; and the incom- pleteness of his contemplated work is ever to be regretted. He defined clearly the genera Syrnium (type Strix aluco, L.) and Scops (type Strix scops, L.). His genus Bubo was a composite one, containing the Strix otus of Linnaeus and a large Egyptian Horned Owl (his Bubo ascalaphus) , the repre- sentative of the European Asio bubo (Linnseus) . But; more important than all, Savigny characterized the genus Strix, and designated Strix flammea as the type. This he was per- fectly justified in doing, as no type had previously been assigned.
For the sake of clearness, and at the risk even of being tedious, I present to my readers the condition of the Striges after Savigny had handled them in 1809.
1. Asio, Briss. {Otus, Cuvier; Bubo, Dumeril, Savigny.)
1. A. bubo (L.) ; 2. A. scandiaca (L.) ; 3. A. otus (L.).
2. SuRNiA, Dumeril. 4. S. ulula (L.) ; 5. S.funerea (L.).
3. Syrnium, Savigny.
6. (Sf. aluco (L. : stridula, L.).
4. Scops, Savigny.
7. S. giu (Scop.) { = Strix scops, Linn.); 8. S. asio (L.)"^'.
5. Strix, Linn, et auct. prseced. partim. {Strix, Savigny, as restricted.)
9. S. flammea, L. ; 10. S. nyctea, L. ; 11. S. passer ina. In 1817 a further modification of the Asiones took place
* Scops asio has always been recognized as a true Scops, and may be liere disposed of along with S. giu. It was not mentioned by Savigny, being non-Egyptian.
Mr. li. B. Sliarpe un the Gtnus Strix. 327
when Cuvier published the first edition of the 'Regne Animal;' for there he distinctly separates the genera Bubo and Otus, reserving to the former the Great Horned Owl [Strix bubo) as its type. His genns Otus contains both the Bubones of Savigny's work.
In 1822 Fleming {' Philosophy of Zoology/ ii. p. 236) sepa- rates the Barn-OAvl off as Aluco ; but this species having been defined by Savigny as the type of Strix, the genus Aluco is but a synonym of the latter.
The year 1826 brings the last modifications of the Linneean Owls, when Stephens proposed the genus Nyctea for the Snowy Owl {Strix nyctea, Linn.), to which, as recently de- monstrated by Professor Newton, is also referable Linnseus's name oi scandiaca. The genus Asio is therefore left with the Long-eared Owl, Asio otus (L.), which consequently be- comes its t}']pe, while the sole unappropriated survivor of the genus Strix, viz. ;S^. passer i?ia, is in this same year seized by Boie and made the type of his genus Glaucidiurn. A final revision of the Linnsean genus Strix, in the year 1826, gives the following distribution of his species : —
1. Asio, Briss. 1760. 1. Asio otus (L.).
2. Strix, Linn. 1766. 1. Strix flammea, L.
3. SuRNiA, Dum. 1806.
1. Surnia ulula (L.) ; 2. Surnia funerea (L.).
4. Scops, Savign. 1809.
1. Scops giu (Scop.) [ = Strix scops , L.) ; 2. Scops asio (L.).
5. Syrnium, Savign. 1809. 1. Syrnium aluco (L.) {Strix aluco, L., et Strix stridula, L.) .
6. Bubo, Cuvier, 1817. 1. Bubo ignavus, Forst. {Strix bubo, L.).
328 Mr. R. B. Sharpe on a Teal from Kerguelen's Island.
7. Nyctea, Steph. 1826. 1. Nyctea scandiaca (L.) {Strix nyctea ct S. scandiaca, L.).
8. Glaucidium^ Boie, 1826. 1. Glaucidium passerinum (L.).
XXIV. — Description of an apparently new Species of Teal from Kerguelen's Island. By R. Bowdler Sharpe, F.L.S., F.Z.S.,
&c., of the Zoological Department, British Museum.
The Rev. A. E. Eaton has brought back with him some spe- cimens of a small Duck, obtained in Kerguelen's Island during the stay of the recent Transit Expedition. I find that some specimens were procured in the same locality by the Antarctic Expedition ; but tliey have never been determined {cf. Gray, List of Grallse, Gallinaj, and Anseres, p. 138), and do not appear to have received a title in the ' Hand-list.' I there- fore propose to describe this bird as
QUERQUEDULA EATONI, Sp. n.
^ . supra brunneus, plumis plurimis gi'iseo marginatis, rn- fesceuti-fulvo maculatis aut fasciatis : scapularibus nigri- cantioribus : pileo paullo rufescentiore plumis nigro medialiter striatis ; facie laterali et gutture albicantibus, minute nigro striolatis, mento fulvescenti-albo : corpore reliquo subtiis albicante, brunneo marmorato, plumis plerisque pectoralibus versus basin griseo-brunneis aut medialiter brunneo striatis : hypochondriis brunneis, albido terminatis et rufescenti-fulvo transfasciatis : sub- caudalibus rufescenti-fulvis, nigro adumbratis, longi- oribus nigricautibus fulvo terminatis : tectricibus alanim superioribus cinerascenti-branneis, majoribus pallide badio terminatis, fasciam alarera formantibus : remigibus cine- rascenti-bruunois, sceundariis extiis purpureo bronzinis albido terminatis, speculum alare bronzinum vix sub eerta luce olivascente nitens exhibentibus : secundario proximo nigricante vel aspectu externo viridi nitente, medialiter cinerascente strigato, albo apicato : sceun- dariis interioribus nigricantibus extvis pallide brunnes- centibus albo limbatis : rectricibus mediis nigricantibus, reliquis brunneis albo marginatis, nonnuUis rufescenti-
A. V. Pelzeln on Birds from Spanish Guiana. 329
fulvo notatis : tectricibus subalaribus brunneis, infcri- oribus intimis et axillaribus albis brunueo maculatis, tectricibus raajoribus cinerasccntibus alee inferiori conco- loribus : rostro plumbeo, culmine nigro : pedibus cineras- centibus, membranis iuterdigitalibus nigris. Long. tot. 15"5, aire 8*5^ caudle 4*8, tarsi 1"2. ? . mari similis sed speculo alari absente^ sccundariis albo terminatis : Cauda brunnea_, rufescenti- fulvo fasciatim marmorata. Hab. in insula Kerguelensi.
This plain-coloured Teal is allied to Q. gibberifrons and Q. creccoides. From the former it is at once to be distinguished by the fawn-coloured bar on the wing and tbe bronzy specu- lum, the wing-bar being broadly white, and the speculum black in Q. gibberifrons.
Q. creccoides resembles Q. eatoni in having the fawn-coloured wing-bar; but then the speculum is black, and the greater part of the bill is yellow.
Q. eatoni also has the axillaries whitish barred with brown, whereas they are quite white in the allied species ; and, more- over, it has remains of rufous-buff bars on most of the fea- thers of the upper surface, the back being uniform in the other species. Altogether the species seems very well pro- nounced. Besides the three examples brought by Mr. Eaton, I have found in the Museum three Kerguelen-Island skins, col- lected during the voyage of the ' Erebus ' and ' Terror/
XXV. — On some Birds from Spanish Guiana collected by Herr Miinzberg. By August von Pelzeln.
H. E. HoDEK, an eminent taxidermist in Vienna, has sub- mitted to me for inspection a small series of birds collected by H. Miinzberg, as it is said, in Guiana. H. Miinzberg travelled in former years in New Granada, and the birds now before me belong mostly to New-Granadan species. There can be little doubt that, by the habitat Spanish Guiana, probably the territory between the Upper Rio Negro and Orinoco, or adjacent parts of New Granada, is meant. The species are the following : —
3.'50 X. V. Pelzelii on Birds from Spanish Guiana
TiNNUNCULUS SPAIIVERIUS (L.). ASTURINA MAGNIROSTRIS (Gm.).
Nauclerus furcatus (L.). El Tijerete.
Athene ferruginea (Pr. Neuw.). Cabrilla.
Athene minutissima (Pr. Neuw.). Two very dark-coloured specimens.
Hemiprocne zonaris (Shaw), var. albicincta.
Hemiprocne albicincta, Cahanis, Journ. f. Orn. 1862, p. 165 (Giiiana, Mexico).
Ch(Btura zonaris, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1865, p. 609.
The specimen received from H. Hodek is distinguished by the character mentioned by Prof. Cabanis, i. e. inferior size and greater breadth of the upper part of the collar. The black of the body, especially on the upperside, is glossed with green, as in the oldest individuals of the common H. zonaris from South Brazil. Long. al. 7" 5'", caudse 2" 7'",
A Jamaican specimen, received from Mr. Sclater in ex- change, agrees well with that from H. Hodek ; its plumage is only a little less glossy.
It seems to me probable that H. albicincta is separable from zonaris, at least as a northern race.
Stelgidopteryx ruficollis (Vieill.).
Bucco RADiATus, Sclatcr.
Heleodytes bicolor, sp. nov. Carraquero.
1 Heleodytes griseus , Baird (nee Swains.), Rev. Am. Birds,
p. 96 (Bogota).
H. corpore supra et alis extus obscure brunneis ; fronte et api- cibus plumarum uropygii parum rufescentibus ; stria su- pcrciliari a naribus ad nucham usque ducta ; gastraeo toto et alarum tectricibus inferioribus albis ; rectricibus caudse obscure brunneis, duabus mediis unicoloribus, reliquis fascia anteapicali alba, a rectrice exteriore versus medias latitudine descrescente, in quarta utrinque (mediis prox- ima) margiuem j)ogonii externi hand attingente : rostro nigro, subtus pallido, pedibus corneis. Long. tot. 7^", alae 3" 11'", cauda 4", rostri a fronte 11 V"; a I'ictu 15^",
collected by Herr jMiinzber^-. 331
tax's. 15'", fascia alba in rectrice extima 1", iu quarta 7"', in quinta 3-0^'" lata.
Hab. Guiana hispanica.
Obs. H. griseo (Swains.) siniilis sod major, corpore supra ct alis extus obscure brunneis concoloribus ; doscriptio spc- ciminis a Bogota apud Baird, 1. s. c, sub nomine H. grisei, quoad colorcs cum ave nostra convenire videtur, sed avcm minorem indicat^. I sent the single male specimen to Messrs. Sclater and
Salvin for examination ; and tliey pronounce the species to be
nndescribed.
Anthus cokrendera, Vicill. Grallaria ruficapilla, Lafr. Cephalopterus orxatus, Geoffr. jun. Hedymeles ludovicianus (L.). euspiza americaxa (gm.) . PsiTTACus CHALCOPTERUS, Frascr.
PsiTTACUS MELANOCEPHALUS, L.
Chlor(enas albilinea (Gray). Lepid(enas speciosa (Grael.). Odontophorus STROPHIUM, Gould.
EUPSYCHORTYX PARVICRISTATUS, Gould ?
NoTHocERCus JULIUS, Bonap., ad. et pull.
The adult bird agrees tolerably well with Dr. Hartlaub's description (Journ. f. Orn. 1854, p. 410) ; but the upperside of head and nape is rather lighter than the back, and the breast and partly also the sides of body are greyish oliva- ceous, minutely vermiculated ; the tarsus measures 2" 2—3'" ; the feet seem to have been dark, and not pale.
The chicken (in down, except the m iugs) resembles the adult in coloration ; but head and nape are blackish, with whitish ends to the feathers, the creamy white speckles on the wings begin to appear, the breast is red.
* It was not possible for me to compare the description of Campyh- rhj/nclnoi brcvipennts, Lawr., from Venezuela.
332 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
Machktes pugnax (L.), pale vai'iety.
An abnormally coloured specimen, Avith tlic plumage in much worn and abraded condition. Uppcrside, wing-coverts, and tail light buff and white, the latter with blackish fasciae ; breast pale buff; throat, abdomen, and primaries white.
Prof. Baird (B. N. Amer. 1858, p. 737) states, the Ruff has been frequently killed on Long Island ; but I am not aware that its occiuTence in the neotropical region has been before noticed.
Gallinago nobilis, Sclater.
Rallus semiplumbeus, Sclater. Chorlo.
XXVI. — Notes on Severtzoff's ' Fauna of Turkestan ' {Turkes- tanskie Jevotnie). By H. E. Dresser.
[Continued from page 250.]
101. TuRDUs merula, L.; Severtzoff, p. 64.
Horizontal range. Breeds, and is also met with during win- ter, in districts I., II., and III., but is only found during winter in district IV.
Vertical range. Occurs during passage and in winter in district 2, and both during the breeding-season, as also in winter, in district 3, and breeds in district 4.
102. TuRDus ATRiGULARis, Tcmm. ; Severtzoff, pp. 64, 118. Horizontal range. Breeds, and is found during winter, in
districts I. and II., and during winter only in districts III. and IV.
Vertical range. Occurs during winter in districts 1, 2, and 3, being common in district 2 ; breeds in districts 3 and 4.
103. TuRDus MYSTACiNUs, Scvertzoff, pp. 64, 118, 119. Vertical and Horizontal range. Similar to P. atrigidaris. Respecting these two Thrushes, the latter of which he de- scribes as new, Severtzoff writes (pp. 118, 119) as follows : —
" These two species (the latter of which is Naumann^s T. bechsteini ;) have been long known, but the latter has alwavs
Scvert:;off's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 338
been described as the young of the former, which, from what I can see, is wrong ; for I have examined over 200 specimens of both species in every stage of plumage, and find that the differences do not depend on age. I may give the diagnoses of these two species as follows : —
" A. Turdus atrigularis ^ ad. Entire upper parts olive - brown, marked on the crown and back with dark spots ; wings and tail dark brown ; throat, cheeks, and breast black, the feathers having narrow greyish margins in the autumn ; flanks olive-grey, underparts otherwise white; under tail-coverts brown ; under wing-coverts marked with greyish yellow ; adult but not old birds have blackish grey stripes on the sides of the throat, breast, and flanks, but these disappear after the second moult, first on the throat and breast, and then else- where ; legs greyish brown, claws blackish ; maxilla brown, lower mandible yellow, tipped with dark brown. The old fe- male differs in not having the throat black, but blackish brown, with broad yellowish margins, which do not disappear in the spring ; otherwise she resembles the male. The young of both sexes have the throat as in the female ; but the margins to the feathers are broader, giving a pied appearance; the under Aving-coverts are similarly coloured, but are marked with olive-grey lines ; the under mandible is greyish brown, slightly marked with yellow at the base.
'' B. Tardus mystacinus difl'ers in the coloration of the throat, and both sexes at all ages have this part pied with greyish-brown, blackish, or brownish spots, which sometimes are almost absent in old females, except in the centre of the breast ; on the sides of the throat there are two or three lines of feathers marked with broad blackish spots ; across the breast is a greyish band spotted with black, these spots being larger in the males, w^hich have the throat and breast altogether more boldly marked ; but these diff'erences in the sexes are not constant. The throat does not change in colour as the bird gets older ; but the spots on the breast gradually disappear, and the lower mandible also becomes yellow as in T. atri- gularis. Some of the young females have a dark throat, like old males, and some have signs of a light spot on the throat.
334 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
so that immature birds of T. mystacinus and T. atrigularis cannot with certainty he distinguished. I may also mention that of hotli species wc obtained many more females than males during winter in the gardens of Chimkent and Tash- kend near the Syr-Darja, and it will therefore be necessary, before it can be positively stated tliat T. mystacinus is a good species, to obtain a series of summer-killed specimens of the adult bird as well as nestlings, and careful observations should be made during the summer season."
104. TuRDus RuncoLLis, Pall.; SevertzoflF, pp. 65, 119. Horizontal range. Occurs during passage in districts I. and
II., and during winter in district III., but is everywhere very rare.
Vertical range. Is met with during passage and in winter in districts 1 and 2.
In a few short notes on this species (p. 119) Severtzoff re- marks that the bird described and figured by Radde (Reis. im Slid, von Ost.-Sib. taf. viii.) is T. nauinanni, and not T. rufi- collis, and adds that whereas T. ruficollis always has the flanks grey, T. naumanni has them marked brownish or rufous, and in old males the flanks are rufous, like the throat, which, con- necting with the entire flanks, forms one continuous rufous- coloui'ed area over the throat, breast, and sides, whereas in T. ruficollis the throat, and a circular patch covering the breast above, are rufous. To this I may add that in T. naumanni the inner webs of the quills are pale rufous to nearly two thirds of their length from the base, whereas even in very old examples of T. ruficollis the inner webs are only very faintly tinged witli pale rufous buff" towards the base of the feathers.
105. TuRDus FALLENS, Pall.; Sevcrtzoff", p. 65. Observed only near the tower of Vernqje.
106. TuRDUs viscivoRus, L. ; Severtzofl", p. 65. Horizontal range. Breeds and occurs during passage in
district I. ; breeds and winters in districts II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Is found in winter in districts 1 and 2, and breeds in districts 3 and 4.
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 335
107. TuRDus PILARIS, L. j ScvertzofF, p. G5. Horizontal range. Occurs during passage and in winter in
districts 1., II., and III.
Vertical range. Is found during passage and in winter in districts 1 and 2.
108. TuRDUs iLiAcus, L. j Severtzoff, p. 65. Horizontal range. Occurs but very rarely during passage,
and in winter in district III.
Vertical range. Occurs very rarely during passage, and in winter in districts 1 and 2.
109. Myiophoneus temmincki, Vig. ; Severtzoff, p. 65. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts III. and IV. Vertical range. Possibly occurs during passage in district
2, but breeds in district 3.
110. Petrocossyphus cyanus, L. Petrocichla cyane, Severtzoff, p. 65.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Occurs during passage in district 2, and breeds in district 3.
111. MONTICOLA SAXATILIS (L.) .
Petrocichla saxatilis, Severtzoff, p. 65. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Occurs during jmssage in district 2, breeds in district 3, and is found during summer in district 4.
112. Saxicola oenanthe (L.) ; Severtzoff, p. 65. Horizontal range. Breeds and is found during passage in
districts I., II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Occurs on passage in districts 1, 2, and 3, and breeds in districts 4 and 5.
113. Saxicola isabellina, Riipp.
Saxicola squalida, Eversm., and S. saltator, Men^tr. ; Se- vertzoff, p. 65.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV., and is found during passage in districts I., II., and III.
Vertical range. Occurs during passage in districts 1, 2, and
3, and breeds in districts 3, 4, and 5.
336 Mr. H. E. Dresser's .VoM? on
Severtzoff gives very detailed notes respecting the various species of Chats, which, however, I do not think it necessary to translate in extenso, as Mr. Blanford and myself went most carefully into the question in our monograph of the genus Saxicola (P.Z. S. 1874, pp. 213-241), and satisfied ourselves as to the identity of the various species referred to or described by Severtzoff.
114. Saxicola morio, Ehrenb. Saxicola leucomela, Severtzoff, p. 65.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV., and occurs during passage in districts I., II., and III,
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1, 2, and 3, and is met with during passage in districts 2, 4, and 5.
114/3. Saxicola leucomela (Pall.). Saxicola lugens, Severtzoff, p. 65.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1, 2, and 3, and occurs during passage in district 2.
115. Saxicola monacha, Riipp. ; Severtzoff, p. 65. Horizontal range. Breeds in district IV. Vertical range. Breeds in districts 2 and 3.
116. Saxicola melanoleuca (Giild.).
Saxicola tolas, n. sp. ; Severtzoff, pp. 65, 119, pi. viii. figs. 1, 3, 4.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., and IV., and occurs during passage in districts III. and IV.
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 2 and 3.
117. Saxicola vittata, Ehrenb.
Saxicola melanogenys, n. sp. ; Severtzoff, pp. 65, 120.
Saxicola melanotus, id. pi. viii. figs. 5, 6.
Horizontal range. Breeds in district III., and occurs during passage in districts III. and IV., and possibly breeds also in the latter district.
Vertical range. Occurs during passage and breeds in dis- trict 1, and possibly breeds, but certainly occurs during pas- sage, in district 2.
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 337
118. ?Saxicola leucopycxA, Br.
Saxicola syenitica, Heugl. ; Sever tzoff, p. 65.
Horizontal range. Is a rare straggler during summer in district III., but breeds in district IV,
Vertical range. Occurs rarely daring tlie summer in district 1, and breeds in districts 2 and 3.
It is impossible to state with any degree of certainty what species of Chat it is to which SevertzojBP here refers, as he gives no description of it, and merely refers to it under the name of S. syenitica, Heugl., which is a doubtful species, pro- bably identical with S. leucopyga, under which I have accord- ingly placed it, with a query.
119. Saxicola deserti, Riipp.
Saxicola salina, Eversm. ; SevertzoflF. p. 65. Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and IV. Vertical range. Breeds iu district 1, and occurs during pas- sage in districts 2, 3, 4, and 5, but is rare in the last district.
119 y8. Saxicola xanthomel^na, Severtzoff, p. 65, is probably referable to S. melanoleuca; but the description of it given by Severtzoff is too indefinite to enable one to say what it is. He merely states (p. 120) that it differs from S. deserti in having less black on the tail, which is the case with all other allied Chats. He gives the range as follows : —
Horizontal range. Breeds in district III.
Vertical range. Breeds in district 1.
120. Pratincola rubetra (L.); Severtzoff, p. 65. Horizontal range. Breeds and is met with during passage
in districts I., II., and III.
Vertical range. Occurs during passage in district 1, and breeds in districts 2, 3, and 4.
121. Pratincola rubicola (L.); Severtzoff, p. 65. Horizontal range. Breeds and occurs during passage in dis- tricts I., II., III., and IV.
Vertical range. Is found during migration in districts I and 2, and breeds in districts 3 and 4.
Severtzoff refers to Pratincola indica yS, as a subspecies SER. III. — vol. v. 2 b
338 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
or permanent variety under the name of Pratincola rubicola /3. indica, and gives its range as follows : —
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., 11.^ III., and IV.
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 2 and 3.
122. Pratincola hemprichii (Elir.) ; Severtzoff, pp. 65, 120.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., and III., but is rare.
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 2 and 3.
Severtzoff remai'ks (p. 120) that this species differs from P. rubicola in having the central tail-feathers black, with white bases, and the remaining rectrices white terminated with black.
Severtzoff divides the Nightingales of Turkestan into two forms, each of which he again subdivides into two subforms or subspecies. Not having had an opportunity of examining skins of these birds, I cannot determine whether they are good species or not, and therefore translate his remarks in extenso, leaving my readers to draw their own conclusions, I may, however, remark that when in Berlin, in September 1873, in company with Mr. Blanford, we saw several skins of Nightingales from Turkestan, among which was one un- doubted skin of Daulias philomela (Bechst.) ; and there were also examples of Daulias hafizi (Severtz.), which is a good species, having the plumage less rufous above and paler below, and the tail is longer, and which was also obtained by Mr. Blanford in Persia. There was also a larger form than D. hafizi, which has been described by Dr. Cabanis (J. f. O. 1873, p. 79) under the name of Luscinia golzii, but which differs from D. hafizi only in size. In the following trans- lation I use the names as given by Severtzoff, without, hoAV- ever, indorsing their correctness. Referring to the differ- ences between these species, he writes (p. 120) as follows : —
" It appears to me that we have two species of Lusciola luscinia, which subdivide again into four subspecies, and be- sides these Lusciola aedon (Pall.), which subdivides into two subspecies ; but I think it more advisible to treat of these all
Severtzoff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 339
under the generic title of Luscinia, dividing them merely into four subspecies, though into two "divisions or groups, viz. : —
'' A. Breast uniform in colour.
"1. Luscinia occidentalis {Motacilla luscinia,Va]l.) . Crown, nape, back, and cheeks brownish grey ; upper tail-coverts nearly light brown ; wings similarly coloured to the back ; tail rust-colour ; under tail-coverts and flanks greyish brown ; throat and sides of the neck grey, underparts white; bill greyish brown, with the sides of the mandibles and the base of the lower mandible yellow ; legs dirty reddish ; iris light brown. First primary rather shorter than the primary- coverts, the second equals the fourth, the thu'd being the longest. Total length rather less than 7 inches. Specimens from the Lower Volga and Ural, and Southern Russia gene- rally, as also in some parts of Turkestan, have the wings and tail darker, the abdomen greyish, the throat white ; and the arrangement of the quills is as follows — 3^4>2>5.
" 2. Luscinia hafizi, nob. Crown, nape, back, and cheeks light brownish grey, tinged with olive ; quills blackish brown, with ashy-grey edges ; larger wing-coverts grey, except at the base, where they are blackish ; above the eye light grey ; rump and tail rusty brown ; underparts dirty white ; breast tinged with yellowish ; bill violet-black ; legs brown, with a reddish tinge ; first primary equal in length to the primary- coverts, 3>4>5, the fifth equals the second; but in some instances the second is about ^"' shorter than the fifth, but is always longer than the sixth ; the lateral rectrices are V' shorter than the central ones. This Nightingale is much larger than the western bird; for it measures as follows — total length 7" 5'" to 7" &", extent 10" 7'", wing 3" 6i'", tail 3" 1|'", the tail being covered to over half its length by the tail-coverts, culmen 5'", tarsus 11'". Some specimens closely resemble examples of L. luscinia from the Volga and the Ural, the wing formula being 3>4>2>5, and the margins of the feathers are not grey, but light olive-brown ; the breast is sometimes yellowish and sometimes greyish. Therefore it appears to me that the bird described by Eversmann as L.
2 B 2
3J0 Mr. H. E. Dresser's Notes on
luscinia, and referred to by me as a western form of L. occi- dentalis, should by right be placed with L. hafizi.
'' L. philomela, Pall., differs from the above species only in being greyer; the upper parts are greyish brown, the tail light greyish brown, the under wing-coverts greyish white, and the breast light grey. Pallas met with it in the Southern Ural, and its western branches near Ufa, and in Turkestan on the Chatkal and Chirchik, at an altitude of from 6000 to 8000 feet. At a lower altitude in the Chirchik mountains specimens arc found which are intermediate with L. hafizi; so that L. philomela, Pall., is a northern, and not a southern mountain-form of L. hafizi. Pallas mentions a Avestern form of his L. philomela, which is probably L. hybrida, Brehm (Vogelf. p. 145), which has the upper parts as in L. aedon (Pall.), and the underparts as in L. luscinia.
"B. Underparts varied and not uniform in colour.
"3. Luscinia aedon (Pall.) {L. philomela, Bechst.). Entire upper surface of the body, from the forehead to the rump, and the upper surface of the wings uniform olive-brown, the quills only having lighter edges, and shaded with yellowish; tail olive-brown, with a reddish tinge ; cheeks, breast, and flanks grey, or olive-grey, with dark lines on and light edges to the feathers, which gives the underparts a pied or varied ap- pearance ; throat white, with olive-grey spots ; abdomen and under tail-coverts pure white ; first primary short, the second shorter than the primary-coverts, the third the longest ; the upper tail-coverts cover three fifths, and the lower three fourths of the tail. Total length 7" 5"'-7" 8'", extent 10" 6"'- 11" 1'", wing 3" 6"'-3" 7'", tail 2" 8'", tarsus 11'", middle toe 7'", culmen 4|"'.
"4. Luscinia infuscata, nob., differs from L. cedon in being darker ; the margins of the wing-feathers are browner ; the tail is dark rust-colour, without any shade of olive ; and the underparts are more clearly marked ; the tail is covered by the upper tail-coverts to half of its length, and by the under tail-coverts to three fourths ; the first primary is short, the second less than the primary coverts, 3>2>4. In size it is
Severtzqff's 'Fauna of Turkestan.' 341
smaller; and the tail is longer in proportion. Total length 7" l"'-7" 2'", extent 10" 3"'-10" 5'", wing 3" 5"', tail 2" 7'", tarsus \0^"', middle toe 6|"', culmen 4^'".
" L. infuscata is an eastern bird ; but, besides in Turkestan, it occurs on the Ural river, especially on the lower portion, during passage ; but examples of it, as well as of L. aedon, from the Ural, are lighter than others from Turkestan. The most common species in Turkestan is L. hafizi and var. L. philomela ; and L. aedon and L. infuscata (the latter being the commoner) have only been met with in Karatau, and during passage near Chimkent, Tashkend, and Samarcand/'
The range of the above species is given as follows ; —
133. LusciOLA LusciNiA /3. hafizi, Severtzoff, p. 65.
Horizontal range. Breeds in districts I., II., III., and TV., commonly in the three former.
Vertical range. Breeds in districts 1, 2, and 3, commonly in district 2.
LusciOLA LUSCINIA y. pMlomela, Severtzoff, p. 65.
Horizontal range. Breeds and occurs during passage in dis- tricts IL, and III.
Vertical range. Occurs on passage in district 2, and breeds in district 3.
124. LusciOLA AEDON, Sevcrtzoff, p. 65.
Horizontal range. Is found on passage in districts III. and IV., and breeds in district III.
Vertical range. Occurs on passage in district 2, and breeds in district 3.
124a. LusciOLA aedon ^. infuscata, Severtzoff, p. 65.
Horizontal range. Breeds and occurs on passage in dis- trict III.
Vertical range. Occurs on passage in district 2, and breeds in district 3.
125. Cyanecula suecica (L.). Lusciola suecica, Severtzoff, p. 65.
Horizontal range. Occurs during passage in districts L, II., III., and IV., and breeds in all but the last.
342 Mr. A. Newtou on Palaeoriiis exsul.
Vertical range. Occurs during passage in districts 1 and 2, breeds in district 3, and occurs rarely during summer in dis- trict 4.
125 «. Cyanecula wolfi, Br. Lusciola suecica /3. orientalis, Severtzoff, p. 65. Horizontal range. Occurs during passage in district IV. Vertical range. Is met with during passage in district 2.
126. Erithacus rubecula (L.). Lusciola rubecula, SevertzofF, p. 65.
Horizontal range. Rare in winter in district III. ; observed near the town of Chimkent.
Vertical range. Rare in winter in district 2.
[To be continued.]
XXVII. — Note on Palseornis exsul. By Alfred Newton, M.A., F.R.S.
(Plate VII.)
Since the naturalists who were attached to the expedition for observing the late Transit of Venus at Rodriguez have re- turned home without procuring a specimen of the Palceornis which I some years ago described in this Journal (Ibis, 1872, p. 33) as coming from that island, and it may possibly be long before a second example of this rare bird is obtained, further delay in availing myself of the editor's offer to figure that which reached my hands in 1871 seems inexpedient. It is still greatly to be regretted, however, that we do not know the cock of this very peculiar species, because it has turned out that the anticipation I formerly expressed as to the proba- bility of his possessing greater beauty than the hen, here represented (Plate VII.), was correct.
A manuscript ' Relation de Tile Rodrigue,' found last year at Paris, under circumstances which I have elsewhere ex- plained, in laying some extracts from it before the Zoological Society of London (P. Z. S. 1875, pp. 39-43), contains a brief notice of a Parrakeet which there is apparently no danger of
Ibi-s.I875Pl,VlI
'ti^
J G3feuleiQians liiJa
PAL/EORNIS EXSUL
¥AN,H<ui}iaTt imp
^CENTRAL PA?X, NEW YORK
Mr. A. Newton on Palaeornis exsul. 343
error in our identifying with Palceornis exsul. This docu- ment, as M. Alphonse Milne-Edwards has satisfactorily shown (Comptes Rendus de FAcademie des Sciences, 1875, pp. 1212- 1210'^), must have been written prior to 1730. The anony- mous author, after stating that there were three kinds of Par- rots found in the island, and giving some particulars of the habits of the largest, which was doubtless the bird originally described by M. Milne-Edwards under the name of Psittacus {Eclectus ?) rodericanus, but has since been referred by him to a genus which he calls Necropsittacus , says : —
'' La seconde espece est un peu plus petite et beaucoup plus belle, parcequ^ils ont leur plumage vert comme les precedents, nn peu plus bleu et le dessus des ailes un peu rouge, aussi bien que leur bee."
The last words serve to show that the adult male of Palce- ornis exsul, should one ever be procured, will be found to have a red bill and a red alar patch, as is the case with so many other species of Palceornis. The unfortunate bird seems to be nearly extinct. Mr. Henry Slater informs me that during his stay in Rodriguez he saw a single example only. This was on the 30th of September, towards the south-western end of the island, where there is a good deal of wood, and he could have shot the bird if he had had a gun with him ; but neither of his companions was favoured with a sight of this expiring species, and no further information about it could be obtained from the Creoles.
Magdalene College, Cambridge, June 11, 1875.
* Translated, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (4) xv. pp. 436-439. In the ori- ginal there is a singular misprint, which is corrected in the translation, of " posterieur " (I. c. p. 1213, line 25) for " anterieur." On the other hand the translator makes a slight mistake (/. c. p. 438, line 9) in putting " It " for " He " [i. e. Pingre].
344 Mr. P. L. Sclater on Turdus javanicus of Horsfidd,
XXVIII. — On Turdus javanicus of Horsfield, and its allied form Turdus schlegeli. By P. L. Sclater, M.A., F.R.S.
(Plate VIII.)
In my article on the geogi'apliical distribution of the genus Turdus, published in this Journal in 1861, I took occasion to state the synonyms of Turdus javanicus of Horsfield as being Turdus fumidus, Miiller, and Turdus hypopyrrhus, Hartlaub, and at the same time to describe a new and nearly aUicd species from Timor as Turdus schlegeli, after the eminent di- rector of the Ley den Museum, where I had met with the typi- cal specimen. In his excellent work on the Birds of Borneo, lately published, Count Salvadori takes a different view of this matter. Misled apparently by Gray^s ' Hand-list,^ he treats of Turdus javanicus and Turdus hypopijrrhus as distinct species, and unites Turdus schlegeli to the latter. I am a little surprised, I must own, to find that Count Salvadori should prefer to follow the late Mr. G. R. Gray's compilation on this point rather than my article, founded, as it was, on the examination of actual specimens of a group of birds to which I had paid special attention. As, however, he has done so, I have felt bound to go into the matter again, and beg leave to offer the results of my renewed investigations to the readers of 'The Ibis.*
Turdus javanicus is very incorrectly described, like many others of the species characterized in Dr. Horsfield's memoir on the Birds of Java. Fortunately, however, two of the ty- pical specimens are still extant — one in the India Museum, and one in the British Museum, received from the India Mu- seum in 1860. I have examined these, and compared them with the type of Turdus hypopyrrhus. The mounted speci- men in the India Museum has been nearly altogether eaten up by moth ; but part of the ferruginous colour on the belly is still recognizable, and I think there can be no doubt to what species it belongs. The skin in the British Museum (which was received from the India Museum in 1860) is that of a young bird, and is of a nearly uniform brown ; but there are traces of the rufous abdomeu quite apparent, and I have no
and its allied form Turdus schlegeli. 345
doubt of its belonging to the same species. The third ex- ample of Dr. HorsfiekFs Turdus javanicus, which was in the former East-India Company's Museum, cannot now be found.
Turdus fumidus was described by Miiller in a note to the ethnographical volume of the ' Verhandelingen ' (1839-44-) from specimens obtained by him on the crater of Mount Gedee, in Java, at an altitude of 8000 feet above the sea-level. The types of this species are now in the Leyden collection, where I have examined them on two occasions.
Turdus hypopyrrhus was described by Hartlaub in 1844, in his catalogue of the Bremen collection. Having had the loan of the type of this species, through Dr. Finsch's kindness, I have been able to convince myself that it is exactly the same as Turdus fumidus.
In a footnote to his memoir onDelattre's collections (Compt. Rend, xxxviii. p. 6) , Prince Bonaparte speaks of a " Turdus nigricrissus , Schiff,-'-' as a MS. name in the Senckenbergian Museum, Frankfort, and makes it the same as T. hypopyrrhus, which he endeavours to distinguish from T. fumidus. I have, however, shown that the two latter terms are synonymous ; so that, whatever the specimen so called in the Senckenbergian Museum may be, Bonaparte's name, T. nigricrissus, falls to the ground.
Another useless synonym is " Turdus concolor, Temm.,-" first published by Blyth in an article on Indian Thrushes in the J. A. S. B. in 1847, and copied by Mr. Gray and Dr. Sal- vadori. The only suggestion I can make as regards this term is, that it is a misprint, or lapsus calami, of Mr. Blyth for fumidus ; for I believe that Temminck never gave (nor would have given) such a misleading name to the present bird.
As regards Turdus schlegeli, which Mr. Gray and Dr. Sal- vadori unite to Turdus hypopyrrhus, I have again examined the typical specimen of that species in the Leyden Museum, and am quite convinced that, so far as a judgment can be formed from a single individual, it is a good and a distinct species. In this view I think I may say I have the concur- rence of Prof. Schlegel — a naturalist by no means inclined to
346 Mr. P. L. Sclater on Tardus javauiciis of Hors field,
divide species unnecessarily — in whose presence I made a comparison of it with specimens of Turdus fumidus.
Under these circumstances I propose to arrange the syn- onyms of these two Thrushes as follows : —
Turdus javanicus. (Plate VIII.)
Turdus jav aniens, Horsfield^ Trans. Linn. Soc. xiii. p. 148 (1821) ; Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi. p. 142; Horsf. & Moore, Cat. Mus. E. I. C. p. 196; Sclater, Ibis, 1861, p. 280; Salvad. Ucc. di Borneo, p. 237.
Turdus [Merula] fumidus, S. Miiller, Verh. Nat. Gescli. Nederl. overz. Bezitt. Land- en Volk. p. 201 (1839-44) : Bp. Consp. p. 274.
Turdus hypopyrrhus, Hai'tl. Verz. Brem. Samml. p. 43 (1844) ; Salvad. Ucc. di Born. p. 238.
" Turdus nigricrissus , Schiff,^' Bp. Compt. Rend, xxxviii. p. 6 ; Notes Orn. Delattre, p. 29.
" Turdus concolor, Temm.,^' Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi. p. 143; G. R. Gray, Handlist, p. 255.
Supra fuscus unicolor, subtus usque ad imum pectus concolor : abdomine castaneo : ventre medio albo : crisso fusco, albo striato : rostro et pedibus flavis : long, tota 90, alse 4"5, caudse 3*8,
Hab. Java, apud montes ad alt. 8000-9500 ped.
I believe the mountains of Java to be the only certainly ascertained locality for this Thrush. S. Miiller, as already mentioned, met with it on the crater of Mount Gedee, in Western Java, at an altitude of 8000 feet. Mr. Wallace ob- tained an example in nearly the same district at an altitude of 9500 feet, which is now in the British Museum^.
* Mr. Wallace's specimen was obtained on the extinct volcanic cone of Pangerango, 10,000 feet liigli, and is alluded to in his ' Malay Archipe- lago ' as follows : —
" On the very summit, feeding on the gi'ound among the strawberries that have been planted there, I obtained a dull-coloured Thrush, with the form and habits of a Starling {Turdus fumuhis).'^ — Malay Archipelago, 3rd ed. p. 121.
Mr. Wallace kindly sends me the subjoined additional note : —
" ' Iris olive ; bill, feet, and eyelids yellow ;' — is all the note 1 have to
Ibis.l875.PLVIIL
JG-Jfeulemans, litli.
M & NHauhart imp
TURDUS JAYANrCUS.
.'*' CENTRAL PARK, NOV YORK ,^A^
and its a Hied form Turdus sclilegeli. 347
In Bonaparte's ' Conspectus/ Sumatra and Borneo are mentioned as the localities of this species. But there is no authority given for this statement, which, although subse- quently adopted by several writers, probably originated in mere error.
The figure of this bird (PI. VIII.) is taken from the typi- cal specimen of Turdus hijpopyrrhus in the Bremen Museum.
Turdus schlegeli.
Turdus fumidus (pt.), Miiller, Verb. Nat. Gesch. Nederl. overz. Bezitt. Land- en Volk. p. 201.
Turdus schlegeli, Sclater, Ibis, 1861, p. 280; Wallace, P. Z. S. 1863, p. 485.
Supra fuscus unicolor, subtus in pectore dilutior : abdomine castaneo, crisso hoc colore tincto : rostro et pedibus flavis : long, tota 9'0, alae 4*5, caudse 3'8.
Hab. Timor [S. Miiller) .
Obs. Sp. a prajcedente pectore fusco dilutiore, ventre medio non albo et crisso non striato distinguenda.
The only specimen I have yet seen of this species is the type in the Leyden Museum, obtained by Salomon Miiller, near Penpaan, in Timor, as mentioned in the work above quoted. Miiller considered it merely a variety of his Tur- dus fumidus, but has pointed out its distinguishing characters.
There is nothing at all remarkable in Timor thus possessing a peculiar species of Turdus. In his excellent memoir on the ornithology of this and the adjacent islands^, Mr. Wallace has shown that no less than 42 species, out of the 118 known to occur there, are restricted to the island. I trust, there- fore, that Turdus schlegeli will be allowed by naturalists in future to stand as a good species — at any rate until a series of examples collected in Timor shall furnish some evidence to the contrary.
this "bird, of which I only got one specimen, on the open summit of the mountain, where I saw several. If I remember rightly, it settled on the gi'ound and on rocks, not on the trees and bushes." * P. Z. S. 1863, p. 480.
348 Mr. R. W. Ramsay^s Onutholoyical Notes
XXIX. — Onutholoyical Notes from the District of Karen-nee, Biirmah. By Robert Wardlaw Ramsay'^.
Bounded oh the west by the Tonghoo mountains (a long range of granite hills on the east side of the Sittang) , on the east by the Sal ween river (the boundary of the Siamese ter- ritory) ^ and on the north-east and north-west by Burmah proper and the Zimme Shan States, lies the country known as Karen- nee, or, being interpreted, the Country of the Red Karens.
This country, rugged and mountainous throughout, is inha- bited by numerous independent tribes of Karens, who are continually warring among themselves or with their common enemies the Burmese from .Burmah proper and the Shan States. The people, as a rule, are strong, powerful-looking, and well built ; their dress varies considerably, according to the tribe; but the ordinary clothing of the majority of the tribes consists of a coarse cottoji blouse or loose tunic reaching to the knee ; some few, however, wear short trousers or panta- loons made of the same material. This country has but seldom been visited by white people, and, I believe, never by a naturalist ; so that it was with no ordinary feelings of plea- sure that I received an invitation from Major Lloyd, the Deputy Commissioner of the Tonghoo district, to accompany him to Kyai-pho-gyee, the capital of the Karen-nee country, whither he was proceeding on a political mission from the Indian Government.
In the year 1854 Mr. O'Reilly, then Assistant Com- missioner at Tonghoo, went on duty to Karen-nee; and later, in 1861, Major Lloyd travelled through the country. During that expedition he formed a considerable collection of specimens of natural history, chiefly of birds ; unfortunately the majority of the best specimens most mysteriously disap- peared, but eventually, I believe, found their way into the East-India Company^s Museum in Calcutta. Since this visit of Major Lloyd^s nobody, one or two of the American Bap- tist Missionaries excepted, has, as far as 1 know, penetrated into this country.
* [The foot-notes to this paper have been added by Lord Waldeu, who has examined Mr. Ramsay's collection. — Ed.]
from the District of Karen-nee, Bvrmah. 349
It was hardly to be expected that the trip would produce a very great number of novelties, owing to the hurried way in which the party travelled through the country ; but still several new species Avill be found among my birds, of which I collected during the five weeks between four and five hun- dred skins, referable to about one hundred and fifty species'^. This collection has since been added to by the exertions of a brother officer, who spent some weeks during April and May in the hills, at altitudes varying from three to seven thousand feet, and who very kindly gave me the birds that he had collected.
Of three or four of the species that I obtained in Karen- nee, I recognized the descriptions in ' Stray Feathers ' (vol. ii. p. 441-447), viz. Macroptjgia assimilis, Hume, Garrulus leu- cotis, Hume (since obtained within a mile of Tonghoo), Gamp- sorhynchus torquatus, Hume, &c. These species were ob- tained by jVIr. Davison in the Tenasserim provinces at much the same time and altitudes at which I was working nearly a hundred miles further north.
We started into the hills on the 5th March, in an easterly direction, making a gradual ascent. On the second day the sight of Analcipus trailli warned me that we were somewhere near 2000 feet above the sea. From day to day we marched at one time over hills of granite, at another over sharp ridges of limestone, the nature of the fauna varying as we ascended to a greater elevation. At 3500 to 4000 feet the jungles as- sumed a great change, stunted evergreen trees and the Bur- mese pine (P. latteri ? Brandis) taking the place of the larger trees of the forests below. A great change also had taken place among the birds. No Bulbuls, no Drongos, and very few Woodpeckers ; but Shrike Tits [Leiothrix] in abundance, and the more homely Titmice [Parus), Grey Creepers {Cer- thia), and Green Warblers [Phylloscopus] appeared. The noisy Cyanops franklini, Bl.f, had long since replaced the
* Notes on this collection, and on all the others made at Rangoon and Tonghoo by this iudefatiguable collector, will shortly appear in the J. A. S. of Bengal. — W.
t Megal(pma ramsayi, Waldeu (Ann. & Mag. N.H. (4) xv. p. 400). — W,
350 Mr. R. W. Ramsay's Ornithological Notes
almost equally noisy but more melodious Meyalcema hodgsoni of the plains.
The extraordinary want of birds of prey throughout the whole of the Karen -nee countrj^ w^as very marked ; I can safely say that from the time that we left the banks of the Sittang, where an Osprey was fishing, until we arrived at our destination, the only birds of prey that we met with were a Kesti^el, a Ninox, and a dark-coloured Falcon, which I met with but failed to obtain on several occasions in the stunted teak-forests, and which may have been Erythropus amurensis.
Day by day interesting birds kept falling to my gun, and also to that of Major Lloyd's, who was a most indefatiguable collector. At the higher elevations I naturally met with many species for the first time, and consequently the collect- ing was more interesting.
At Kyai-pho-gyee itself, which is situated in the midst of au open, undulating, grassy country dotted over with patches of low scrub-jungle, at an elevation of 3300 feet, I had more time to look about me; for the party was to halt for a week. The first thing that struck the ear on emerging from the jungles into the open country was the note of Cuculus ca- norus, whose " cuckoo " resounded on all sides. The painted Franeolin [Francolinus sinensis) was another bird which was very abundant, and always denoted its whereabouts by its ex- traordinary call, which, when rendered on paper, somewhat re- sembles the syllables kuk-kuk-kuich, kd-kd. These birds, to- gether with Quail of three diff'erent species, and a hare {Lepus peguanus, Bl.) afforded very fair sport to our party.
The weather during our stay in Karen-nee Avas exceedingly pleasant and cool, the thermometer ranging from 50° at night to 96° Fahrenheit in the sun during the day.
The patches of jungle on the hill-sides and on the borders of the ravines proved to be the most rich in birds ; and many species were there found that I hardly expected to meet, such as Sibia, Actinodura, Niltava*, and Garrulus leucotis. The latter was far from common ; but the beautiful Urocissa mng-
* Sihia pianoides, Actimira rammtji, Walden, and Niltava swidara. — W.
from the District of Karen-nee, Burmah. 351
nirostris was very common^ Ayii^g from copse to copse and tree to tree with its peculiar quivering motion of the tail. On the waste land were found Pipits and flocks of Buntings, chiefly Melophus melanicterus, and Ember iza pusilla. Even here there was a great dearth of birds of prey. One species of Vulture {Gyps indicus, I think) was continually sailing round the camp accompanied by swarms of Milvus govinda ; over the plains and hill-sides occasional Harriers {Circus (Bruginosus and C. melanoleucus) were quartering the ground, whilst far above the Kestrel would be seen suspended in the air. With the exception of a single Harrier I one day saw, and thought was Circus cineraceus, these were all the birds of prey that we met with. The common Mynah {Acridotheres) * of the cou.ntry appeared to me to be very dififerent from any that I had seen before ; but whether it is a distinct species or not remains to be proved. One Oriole {Oriolus indicus) was shot in a small clump of pine trees in a very exposed situation. This was the first Oriole that I had met with since descending the eastern side of the Tonghoo hills.
From Kyai-pho-gyee we moved on to a small village on the frontier of the Shan States, situated in a bare stony plain, bordered on either side by low ranges of jagged limestone rocks ; these rocks were perforated through and through with caves — the abode of countless numbers of Bats. About these rocks I found Hirundo daurica, Linn.f, not uncommon, but only succeeded in securing one specimen.
In the vicinity of the village was a broad tract of country artificially inundated by a stream which passed through it ; this place was tenanted by vast flocks of Waders of all sorts, probably on their way northwards for the summer. Himan- topus intermedius, Bl. ? was particularly abundant, but very shy and wary, quite the reverse of what I had found them on a former occasion on the plains of Pegu.
On the 30th March we fairly started on our homeward
journey over the same ranges of hills that we had just crossed
some fifty miles further south. On the 2nd April we reached
6000 feet, the greatest height arrived at during the trip ; here
* A. siamensis, Swinhoe. — W. f Cecropis striolata. — W.
352 Ornithological Notes from Burmah,
1 met with Paradoxornis of two species'^, Cntia nipalensis, Lei- optila annectansf, Braclujpteryx cruralis, Oreocincla mollis- sima, and a Laughing Thrush, which I imagine is Mr. Hume's Gampsorhynchus torquatusX- Among the pine trees I was rather surprised to find Emberiza pusilla. A little lower down I met, for the first time, with the lovely little Broad- bill {Serilophus lunatus) going about in the tops of the trees in small parties. The iris of this ])ird appears to be brown, but when examined in the sunlight is the most brilliant iri- descent green ; the bill is turquoise-blue when freshly killed, but this colour disappears very soon after death.
In a bamboo-jungle, at 2000 feet, that had run to seed, I came one day upon flocks of Rose Finches, Carpodacus ery- thrinus, feeding upon the seeds ; this was the first time that I had seen this bird,' although we had passed through miles and miles of bamboos.
These bamboo-seeds are a very fair substitute for rice, as we know from experience — not unlike pearl-barley when cooked; and fortunate it is for the Karens that they are so ; for the whole of their rice-crops this year have been devoured by huge armies of rats. The stories told by the natives of the countless myriads of rats could be easily believed by us, as we came through the country and saw the ravages that had been committed by them . I have sent home specimens of this rat § ; but I think it has already been described by Mr. Blyth.
Two days' march from the rat-infested country we found ourselves descending the western slope of the Tonghoo hills, where I obtained a specimen of Macropygia assimilis, Hume. The beautiful Irenas had all of a sudden become common, whereas on the eastern slope of the hills I do not think they are found at all. It seems strange that there should be so distinct a line beyond which apparently the Irena cannot ex-
* P. rujiceps and P. gularis. — W.
t L. saturata, mihi, diatinguished from L. annecfans by the deep chest- nut colouring of the lower back, ui'opygium, and upper tail-coverts. — W.
X No species of Gampsorhynchus is contained among the birds which have arrived in England. — W.
§ Mm robustulus, Blyth ?— VV.
II A good species, quite distinct from M. rn/iceps of Java. — W.
Notes on Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 353
tend ; and that this is the case I am certain, for it was so remarkable on crossing these hills^ both in going and coming. On the 10th April we arrived once more in Tonghoo, after a pleasant trip of five weeks^ in which time between two and three hundred miles had been traversed by our party.
XXX. — Notes on a ' Catalogue of the Accipitres in the British
Museum' by R. Bowdler Sharpe (1874) . By J. H. Gurney.
[Continued from page 236.]
(Plate VI.)
Under the genus Astur Mr. Sharpe includes upwards of thirty species, which, as it appears to me, are naturally divisible into several subgeneric groups, to which I now propose to refer, at the same time making observations on some of the species of which these groups are composed.
The first of these, to which the generic name of Astur n^iay be applied in its restricted sense, consists of three species — A. palumbarius, A. atricapillus, and A. hensti.
With reference to Astur palumbarius, Mr. Sharpe remarks that it apparently reaches beyond 60° N. lat. only in Scandi- navia; but in ^The Ibis'' for 1873 (p. 58), it is recorded as occurring also in the vicinity of Archangel. In addition to the localities for this species given by Mr. Sharpe, I may mention that the Norwich Museum possesses an adult pair from Tangiers^, and that it also probably occurs in Japan, as I have seen a Japanese painting which accurately repre- sented an adult of this species.
It may be desirable to remark, as the circumstance is not referred to by Mr. Sharpe, that a considerable variation of tint occurs in the immature specimens of Astur palumbarius, some of them exhibiting a conspicuous ochraceous hue, espe- cially on the underparts, which is more or less entirely ab- sent in others, though there is no diflference in the form and character of their markings.
* [Cf Irby, Orn. Str. Gibr. p. 36.— Ed.]
SER. III. VOL. v. 2 C
354 Mr. J. 11. Gurncy's Notes on
In the autumu of 1809 I saw in the museum at Lille tvro individuals of this species from the Ural Mountains, whieh were probably very old birds, and in which the transverse markings on the underparts were unusually narrow, approach- ing in this particular to the character of the con'csponding markings in A. atricapillus ; the same museum contained other and, presumably, younger adults from the same locality, in which the markings on the breast were of the normal character usual in adult specimens of A. j)alumbarius.
Although these markings are always narrower in Astur atricapillus, when adult, than in the corresponding stage of A. jicilumbarius, yet differences in this respect, as well as in some others, have been observed between the Goshawks which are commonly obtained in the eastern parts of North America and those which are found in the more western districts ; Mr. Ridgway* designates the Western North- American form as " var. striatulus, Ridgway," but remarks, " In regard to the form indicated .... as var. striatulus, Ridgway, I am as yet undecided whether to recognize it as a geographical race, or to merely consider the two adult plumages as representing different ages of the same form.^'
Mr. Ridgway adds the following descriptions : —
" Var. atricapillus.
"Adult. Markings of the lower surface coarse and ragged; feathers of the pectoral region with broad, median, longitu- dinal streaks of the same slaty tint as the transverse bars, and with only the shafts black ; tail-bands distinct.
" Young. Pale ochraceous markings prevailing in extent over the darker (clear greyish umber) spotting ; stripes be- neath narrow, clear brownish, those on the flanks linear.
"Var. striatulus.
" Adult. Markings of the lower parts fine and delicate, and so dense as to present the appearance of a nearly uniform bluish ashy surface ; feathers of the pectoral region without the median stripes of slaty, but with broad shaft-marks of
* Vide Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway's 'History of North- American Birds,' vol. iii. p. 238 ; also Sharpo's ' Catalogue,' Addenda, p. 45G.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 355
deep blacky contrasting very conspicuously with the finely mottled general surface; tail-bands obsolete.
" Young. Darker (brownish black) markings prevailing in extent over the lighter (nearly clear white) ones ; stripes be- neath broad, brownish black, those on the flanks cordate and transverse/'
Mr. Ridgway appears never to have seen his "^var. atri- capillus " from the western regions of North America ; but he describes an adult female from Colorado which, though other- wise agreeing with his " var. striatulus," shows " a single fea- ther on the lower parts which is coarsely barred, as in the eastern style, while all the rest are finely waved and marbled, as in the western ;" and he has also occasionally met with adult specimens obtained in the eastern states which agreed in their markings with the western phase, which he has desig- nated as " striatulus ;" but he suggests that these may have been only migratory stragglers from more westerly localities.
The second subgeneric group to which I propose to refer is that to which Kaup assigned the name of Lophospizia (or, more correctly, Lophospizias) containing L. griseiceps, L. tri- virgatus, and L. indicus, the two latter of which Mr. Sharpe treats as only doubtfully distinct from each other ; and as the difference between them appears to be one of size only, I think it may be useful to note some measui'ements, chiefly taken from specimens in the British and Norwich Museums, and commencing with those of the larger race {L. indicus): —
Wing from Middle
carpal joint. Tarsus. toe, s. u.
in. in. in.
Presumed males in British Museum :
From Nepal 9-4 2-5 1-4
Ditto 9.5 2-6 1-6
Presumed females in Norwich Museum :
From Nepal 107 2-8 1-7
From Chota, Nagpore, Bengal . . 10-2 2-5 1'4
Female from Darjeeling, recorded in
Jerdon's ' Birds of India,' vol. i. p. 47 11-5 Female from Saughboom, Bengal, re- corded in Col. Tickell's MS. in the libraiy of the Zoological Society . . 10 2-75
2 c 2
356 Mr. J. n. Gurney's Notes on
The following measurements are those of specimens which appear to be referable to the smaller race [L. trivirgatus) : —
Middle
Wing. Tarsus. toe, s. u.
in. in. in. Presumed males in Norwich Museum :
From Ceylon 7-G 2-1 M
From Borneo 7-5 2-3 1-2
Female obtained* in Formosa, and re- corded by Mr. Swinhoe in ' The Ibis/
1866, p. 3!)o 9 2-75 1-62
Presumed females in Norwich Museum :
From Philippine Islands 8-1 2-1 1-2
From Cambodia 8-8 2-2 1-2
From Malacca 9-2 2-5 1-4
From Sumatra 8-4 2-4 1-4
From Borneo 8 2-5 1-2
A specimen in the British Museum, from
East Java, marked $ by Mr. Wallace 9 2-3 1'3 Anunsexed specimen, from Upper Pegn,
recordedin'StrayFeathers,'iii. p. 24 8-6 27
From the above particulars it appears clear that both the larger and the smaller race vary much in their proportions, and it seems to me not very easy to draw the line between them.
The next species to which I am desirous to allude is Astur pectoralis, Bon., in treating of which Mr. Sharpe has omitted to refer to the figure given of it in ' The Ibis ' for 1861, pi. 10.
The Norwich Museum contains a presumed male, which is not included in the list of the specimens of this Hawk re- corded in 'The Ibis' for 1874 at p. 321.
As the Leyden specimen, of which the measurements are given by Mr. Sharpe, and that at Antwerp, of which the di- mensions were recorded by Dr. Sclater in ' The Ibis ' for 1861, appear by their size to be both female birds, I add the follow- ing particulars of the supposed male which is preserved in Norwich: — wing from carpal joint 9*1 inches; tarsus 2'1 ;
* The Norwich INIuseum possesses a specimen from Formosa which I believe to be the identical one above recorded ; but I make the length of its wing 9-5 inches; the other measurements agree.
Mr. R. B. Sharpens Catalogue of Accipitres. 357
middle toe, s. u. 1'3; culmen from anterior margin of cere 5.
It will be seen by these measurements of the culmen and middle toe, that, according to the rule given by Mr. Sharpe at p. 47 of his ' Catalogue/ this species comes rather under his genus Accipiter than under that of Astur ; its natural position appears to me to be intermediate between the Astu- rine subgenus Lophospizias and the Accipitrine subgenus Cooperastur, to which it was referred (and, on the whole, I think rightly) by Bonaparte in the Rev. et Mag. de Zool. for 1854, p. 538.
Another and still scarcer South- American form, Falco polio- gaster of Temminck (PI. Col. 264) is included by Mr. Sharpe in his ^ci\Vi% Astur ; but from my recollection of the type spe- cimen at Leyden (the only example that I remember to have seen"^), I have little doubt that it ought to be assigned to a distinct subgenus — though, as some years have elapsed since I examined the Leyden specimen, I have not the requisite data to enable me to characterize in detail its subgeneric pecu- liarities,
Mr. Sharpe also includes in his genus Astur a long list of species which may be conveniently described as short-toed Sparrow- Hawks. Most of these have been referred by various ornithologists to Mr. Gray's genus Micro nisus ; but as the type of that species is (as has been already mentioned f) a Melierax, it will be better to use in its place Dr. Kaup's term of Scelospiza (more properly spelled Scelospizias) , the type of which {S. franciscce) belongs to the group to which I am now referring.
The subgenus for which I thus propose to use the name of Scelospizias consists of two natural divisions — the one com- prising those most slenderly formed species of which S. badius is the most familiar example, the other those somewhat thickly
* [We believe that the specimen at Leyden, obtained by Natterer, is the only one in existence in any museum. The bird from Panama, called Micrastur poliogastur ? by Mr. Lawrence, belongs not to that species, but to M, niirandoiii. — Ed].
t Vide (intea, p. 23G.
358 Mr. J. H. Gurney's Notes on
built and, for the most part, larger species which are con- nectedj more or less closely, with S. tachiro.
To the first of these divisions belongs Kaup's typical sj)ecies S. francisca, respecting which I have a few remarks to offer. Mr. Sharpe gives Madagascar and Joanna Island as localities for this species ; but it seems to me that the Jo- anna bird is specifically distinct ; and as the name oifrancisca was given by Sir A. Smith to the Madagascar race, I would propose for that found in Joanna Island the specific name of pusillus, as it is the smallest of its genus except /S. brutus, which is of about the same size.
Scelospizias jmsillus, which was figured in ' The Ibis ' for 1864 (pi. vii.), from a specimen in the Norwich Museum, under the title of Accipiter francesi, differs from the true S. franciscce of Madagascar in its smaller size, and in two characteristics of its adult plumage, the first being the darker hue of its slate- coloured upper surface, and the second the earlier attainment and greater purity of the white plumage on the breast and parts adjacent.
In /S. franciscce these parts are crossed with transverse vinous-brown bars, which gradually become narrower and fainter as the bird advances in age, until they ultimately, but (so far can be judged from a series of specimens) by slow and successive changes, become so faint as to be scarcely perceptible, though I have never seen a specimen, authen- ticated as having been obtained in Madagascar, in which they were entirely absent. In S. pusillus, on the contrary, the undersurface assumes a garb of pure and unbroken white on the occasion of the first moult in which the bird loses its immature dress, as is evidenced by a specimen in the British Museum, which, though it has nearly attained its adult plumage, still I'etains a few brown feathers, indicative of immaturity, on its throat, flanks, and thighs, but with these exceptions is perfectly white on its under surface.
The comparative dimensions of the two species will be shown by the following rjjeasurements, all taken from speci- mens in the museum at Norwich, except the first, which is from that in the British Museum to which 1 have already referred.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 359
Wing from
carpal joint. Tarsus,
in. in.
S. pusilliis, from Joanna Island :
Presumed J 5'7o 1*62
Presumed S 5*5 1"8
Presumed 5 G-2 2
S. franciscte, from Madagascar, ascer- tained by Mr. E. Newton to be J . . 6-2 2 Ascertained by Mr. E. Newton to
be d" 6 1-9
Presumed § 7 2'1
The following description of the coloration of S. pusillus in its adult stage has been drawn up by Mr. Reeve, the able curator of the Norwich Museum, to whose obliging assistance I am much indebted in these notes, from the presumed male and female preserved in that collection : —
" ($ . Head, neck, and the whole upper surface, including the tail, slate-colour — the crown of the head, wing-coverts, scapulars, and back being darker than the other parts ; the sides of the neck somewhat paler, and dying away to a small patch of dirty white on the sides of the upper breast. Throat and whole under surface, including the under tail- and wing- coverts, white ; the outer surface of the tail is slightly barred, its lower surface (which is white near the tail-coverts, and a more or less dirty grey elsewhere) is without bars on the two central rectrices, but the three adjoining feathers on each side show six very distinct greyish brown bars, whilst the outer- most pair are scarcely barred at all.
" ? . Only differs from the cJ in having the patch on each side of the upper breast more deeply coloured with dusky brown, and consequently more conspicuous ; also in the tail being less slate-coloured, and more or less barred both on the upper and under surface of all the rectrices. The under sur- face of the primaries is also very strongly barred ; and the slate-coloured portions of the plumage are, perhaps, a little more brownish throughout than in the male."
A third, nearly allied species, Scelospizias brutus, to which I have already alluded, has, I believe, been at present only found in the Island of Mayotte, another of the Comoro group ; and from it we may pass to the consideration of the allied
360 Mr. J. H. Gumey's Notes on
continental forms, Scelospizias polyzonoides, S. sphenurus, S. badius, S. poliopsis, and S. brevipes, all of which are treated by Mr. Sharpe as being severally subspecies of one and the same actual species, to which he applies, in a comprehensive sense, the name of Astur badius. I am, however, of opinion that at least two of the above list, S. polyzonoides and S. bre- vipes, differ sufficiently from their immediate congeners to be well entitled to rank as fully distinct species.
It may be useful, for the sake of comparison, to give a few measurements of these nearly allied forms, taken from some of the specimens in the Norwich Museum, commencing with those of S. polyzonoides : —
Wing from Middle
carpal joint. Tarsus. toe, s. u.
in. in. in.
From the Zambesi. Presumed c? . . G-7 1-7 1 From Elephant's Vley, Damara- land. Mai-ked by Mr. Andersson
as cJ 6-8 1-7 1
From Trans Vaal. Marked by Mr.
Ayres $ 7-5 1-8 1-1
The following are measurements of S. sphenurus : —
Wing from Middle
carpal joint. Tarsus. toe, s. u. in. in. in.
From the Gambia. Presumed c? . . 7 1-8 1
From Bissao. Presumed cS 7*4 1'7 1"1
From Casamanze. Presumed $ . . 7'10 1-8 1
Mr. Sharpe speaks of very old birds of this race gradually losing the transverse bars on the upper portion of the breast ; but I have never seen one in which some slight trace of these bars did not still remain.
I will now add the measurements of five specimens of the
true S. badius : —
Wing from Middle
carpal joint. Tarsus, toe, s. u.
in. in. in.
From Travancore. Presumed c? I 7-2 l •« 1 -1
From Oudh. Presumed c? i
From Cashmere. Presumed c5' 7*8 1'9 1*2
From Northern India. Marked by Mr.
Hume as $ 81 2-2 12
From Malabar. Presumed $ 8 21 1-3
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue 0/ Accipitres. 361
Mr. Blanford was so good as to show me a female Hawk, killed by him in Baluchistan, which bore so great a resem- blance to S. badius as perhaps not to be separable from that species, but in which the tarsus measured 2"3 inches, and the middle toe s. u. 1"4; I have unfortunately no memo- randum of the length of the wing in this specimen.
Mr. Sharpe, in speaking of the succeeding race, S.poliopsis, states that it is a " much paler blue above " than S. badius ; but in the specimens which I have examined this is certainly not the case.
Two adult males from Siam, of which the measurements are annexed, are fully as dark on the upper parts as ordinary males of S. badius ; and the adult male from Ceylon, of which I have also given the dimensions below, is decidedly darker in the hue of the slate-colour in the upper parts than either the two Siam males or the ordinary Indian form ; I have, however, considered all these as examples of S. poliopsis, on account of the dark vinous hue of the bars on the under sur- face, this character being possessed by all the three examples.
The following are the measurements of S. poliopsis above referred to : —
Wing from Middle
carpal joint. Tarsus. toe, s. u.
in. in. in.
From Ceylon. Presumed J 7-5 1'8 I'l
Two from Siam. Both presumed (S . . 7'7 2 1-1
From Siam. Presumed $ • 9 2'1 1'2
I propose to conclude this series of measurements by those of four specimens of S. breviceps, all obtained in Syria.
Wing from Middle
carpal joint. Tarsus. toe, s. u.
in. in. in.
Presumed S 8-5 1-8 1
Presumed J 8-7 1-9 1-1
Presumed S 8-8 1-9 1
Presumed $ 9-5 2 1-1
Proceeding to the second division of the subgenus Scelo- spizias, I may remark, with reference to S. tachiro, that I be- lieve the measurements given by Mr. Sharpe as those of the
362 Mr. J. H. Giirney's Notes on
two sexes of this species are both those of male birds. Two females from Natal, acquired by the British Museum subse- quently to the publication of Mr. Sharpe's volume, measure 9*7 and 9*9 inches respectively in the wing, and 2"75 in the tarsus, which, so far as I have observed, is about the usual length of these parts in female specimens of this Hawk.
The late Dr. Dickerson* obtained at the Zambesi an un- usually large adult female of S. tachiro, which was decidedly paler in its coloration throughout than is the case in ordinary specimens. I have recently examined this skin, which is pre- served in the Norwich Museum, and I do not consider that the pale colour is due (as might be supposed) to the plumage being in a faded or worn condition.
The allied Abyssinian race, S. unduliventer (Riipp.), though not separated by Mr. Sharpe from S. tachiro, is readily dis- tinguishable when adult by the richer rufescence of the flanks and transverse pectoral bars : this race extends westwards to Senegal ; and an adult female from Casamanze in the Norwich Museum is the type oiAstur tibialis, Verr., which must there- fore sink into a synonym of S. unduliventer ; this specimen measures 9*5 inches in the wing and 2"8 in the tarsus ; but a female in the British Museum, from Shoa, is slightly smaller, measuring 8*55 in the wing and 2" 7 in the tarsus.
The Hawk from the Cameroons in Captain Shelley's col- lection, from which Mr. Sharpe took his description of Astur tibialis, is probably the immature plumage of some other species, which is apparently at present unnamed.
Since the publication of Mr. Sharpe's volume, the British Museum has obtained from the river Danger a Hawk which may prove to be a still younger example of the same species as that in Captain Shelley's collection ; if so, the latter would seem by its dimensions, which are given by Mr. Sharpe, to be a male, and that from the river Danger to be a female, as it measures 8*8 inches in the wing and 2*6 in the tarsus ; this specimen is less rufous on the underparts than Captain Shelley's bird, though showing traces of that tint on the breast and flanks ; its thighs, instead of being rufous, as in the * Vide Ibis, 18()8, p. 144.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 363
Cameroon Hawk, are white, broadly barred with black ; and it also exhibits traces of transverse bars on the outer rectrices.
Scelospizias unduliventer may reasonably be considered a subspecies of >S^. tachiro ; and if the still more brightly coloured race from the Gold Coast {Astur macroscelides , Hart.) be admissible as distinct from S. unduliventer , it must also be considered a subspecies, and it has been so treated in Mr. Sharpe's catalogue.
Mr. Sharpe gives the locality of S. macroscelides as " Gold Coast to Gaboon ;" but the Gaboon race is in reality much more distinct from the true S. macroscelides of the Gold Coast than the latter is from S. unduliventer of Senegambia and Abyssinia, being not only darker and more richly coloured, both in the slate-coloured and in the rufous portions of the plumage, but also much smaller, as will be seen from the fol- lowing measurements of an adult male and female, obtained by Mr. H. T. Ansell at the river Danger, Gaboon, and now preserved in the British Museum : —
S • From the river Danger. 5 . From the river Danger .
|
Wing from carpal joint. |
Tarsu |
|
in. |
in. |
|
6-4 |
2 |
|
7-6 |
2-3 |
This Gaboon race is entitled to the specific name of casta- nilius (Bon.) ; and the type specimen, an adult male, is also in the collection at the British Museum, whither it was trans- mitted by the late Messrs. Verreaux, who, by some unfor- tunate accident, labelled it as having been obtained in New Granada, in consequence of which it was so described by the late Prince C. L. Bonaparte in the Bev. de Zoologie for 1853, p. 578, and subsequently figured as an American species by Messrs. Sclater and Salvin at pi. 18 of ' Exotic Ornithology/
This specimen is described in Mr. Sharpens Catalogue under the title of Micrastur castanilius, the mistaken locality and a somewhat too cursory examination of the scutellations of the tarsus having led to its inadvertent admission by Mr. Sharpe into the genus Micrastur.
The specimens figured in Mr. Sharpe's Catalogue under the
364 Mr. J. n. Gurney's Notes on
name of Astur mucroscelides, are an immature and adult male of the Oaboon race ; and the plate should therefore bear the inscription of castanilius.
The remaining species of this group is another and^ as it seems to me, nearly allied form, also from the Gaboon — Sce- lospizias tousseneli. The type specimen of this species (which is, I believe, at present unique) is preserved in the British Museum, and appears to be in adult plumage ; though showing some traces of transverse markings upon the breast, it is much less distinctly barred on that part than either S. ta- chiro, unduliv enter, or castanilius, in which respect it ap- proaches an oriental species, Astur trinotatus of Mr. Sharpens Catalogue, for which I would propose to retain Kaup^s sub- generic name of Erythrospiza, or, as it might be more pro- perly written, Erythrospizias .
This beautiful native of the Celebes resembles the A. tachiro group in the white spots which are conspicuous on its central rectrices ; but in its adult stage its breast is quite free from transverse bars, and the ferruginous character of its imma- ture dress is entirely different from the corresponding plu- mage of every species of Scelospizias.
The Oceanic and Australian species included by Mr. Sharpe in his genus Astur were divided by the late Dr. Kaup into four subgenera — Erythrospiza (which, as it seems to me, should be limited to E. trinotata, although some other species were included in it by Kaup), Urospiza, Leucospiza, and Tachyspiza.
The term Urospiza is applied, under the amended spelling of Urospizias, as a generic appellation for the large rufous Hawk of Australia, Falco radiatus of Latham"^, which Mr. Sharpe very properly treats as forming in itself a distinct genus ; but the name of Uropizias is not admissible for this purpose, Kaup's type of that genus, given in Mus. Senckenb. (vol. iii. p. 259), being Falco radiatus of Temminck, which is the immature plumage of Astur approximans of Mr. Sharpens Catalogue.
I would therefore retain the term of Urospizias as a sub- * I shall have occasion hereafter to refer more at length to this species.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipiti'es. 3G5
generic name for Astur approximans and the following species, which I think may correctly be associated with it, viz, cruentus of Gould, torquatus of Temminck, wallacii of Sharpe, rufitorques of Peale, henicogrammus of Gray, griseigularis of Gray, muelleri of Wallace, sylvestris of Wallace, hiogaster of Miiller and ^c]Ae^e\., poliocephalus of Gray, haplochrous* of Sclater, and albigularis of Gray.
I have nothing to add to Mr. Sharpens remarks on these species, except that I would observe that Urospizias henico- grammus, which is treated as a subspecies of U. griseigularis, appears to me to be well entitled to full specific rank, on account of its very peculiar rufescent immature plumage, which, as Mr, Sharpe justly remarks, recalls the corre- sponding dress of Erythrospizias trinotatus.
In the next subgenus, Leucospizias, I would include the following species, viz. novae hollandice, leucosomus, and cinereus.
The remaining subgenus, Tachyspizias, consists of Astur soloensis and A. cuculoides of Mr. Sharper's Catalogue. These are described and figured as distinct species, which they perhaps are, though they certainly appear to merge into each other in a remarkable manner.
Mr. Sharpe gives as the habitat of the first, " China, from Pekin southwards throughout the Malayan peninsula and the archipelago generally to New Guinea ; " and of the second, " North China southwards to the Moluccas ;" but both forms occur in Java, and the Norwich Museum possesses an adult of each collected in that island by the late Dr, Bernstein, who considered them as both belonging to the same species.
Mr. Sharpe describes the iris in the adult of the darker form as yellow ; and an adult female in the Norwich Museum, obtained by Mr. Swinhoe at Amoy, was marked by him as having the iris " orange.^^
The iris in the paler form is stated to be dark brown ; and an adult specimen in the Norwich Museum, brought from
* This species was figured in ' The Ibis ' for 18G0, not in the P. Z. S. for that year, as inadvertently stated in Mr. Sharpe's list of references.
366 Mr. J. H. Gnrney's Notes on
Pekin by Mr. Whitely, is ticketed by him as having a " dark reddish brown " iris.
I may add that Mr. Swinhoc, who has observed both in China in a state of nature^ considers them to be decidedly distinct, and informs me that the egg of the darker race is always both proportionally more elongated and also actually longer than that of the paler bird, and that the dark colouring with which the egg of the former is stained resembles in its disposition and appearance that on the egg of Scelospizias badius, whilst the egg of the latter is marked with dark blotches resembling those upon the egg of Accipiter nisus — a difference which is very apparent in the specimens of these eggs which are preserved in Mr. Swinhoe^s cabinet, where he was so good as to allow me the opportunity of examining them.
The genus Astur in Mr. Sharpens Catalogue is followed by the curious Madagascar Hawk, Nisoides moreli, which Mr. Sharpe admits (and I think correctly) to be sufficiently dis- tinct to constitute a separate genus, as proposed by its first describer, M. Pollen; next to which the genus Accipiter is arranged, in which twenty-three species are included : but before proceeding to the consideration of these, I have to describe a species belonging to that genus which has for some years formed part of the collection in the Norwich Mu- seum, but which (through an oversight on my own part) has not hitherto been recognized as new to science, though there seems to be no doubt that it really is so.
Having recently had occasion to examine the series of spe- cimens of Scelospizias polyzonoides in the Norwich Museum, I observed amongst them two Hawks which, though re- sembling that species in coloration and markings, were evi- dently somewhat larger ; and on examining them more closely, I found that they also differed from it in the proportion of the foot, which presented all the characters of the more ty- pical species of the genus Accipiter.
Of these two Hawks, one is evidently fully adult, and the other immature, but commencing its change into adult dress ; both were obtained by the late Mr. C. J. Andersson — the first
Ibis. 1875. PI VI.
J G-Keulemaiis lith.
l{&NlarJiart:
ACCIPITER 0V7VMPENS1S,
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 367
on the river Okavango, in Ovarapo Land, on 12th May, 1859, and the second at Elephant^s Vley, a short distance further to the south, on the 9th August following*. They were both ticketed by Mr. Andersson as females ; but, from the difference in size between them, there is, I think, no doubt that only the immature bird is really a female, and that the adult is a male. Mr. Andersson did not attach any specific name to either specimen ; and in the assortment of his collections on their arrival in this country, these birds passed as skins of Scelospizias polyzonoides.
The following description of these two specimens and the accompanying plate of the adult (Plate VI.) will probably suffice for the future identification of this species, which, as it was first obtained in Ovampo Land, I propose to designate as Accipiter ovampensis.
The adult, which I presume to be a male, bears a remark- able resemblance in the general appearance of its plumage to the adult of Scelospizias polyzonoides, from which its mark- ings and coloration only differ in the absence of any rufous tmge from the transverse pectoral and abdominal bands, in the character of the markings on the under surface of the wings, and also in that of the markings on the tail.
The general colour of the upper surface in this specimen is a rather dark ashy grey, paler on the sides of the neck, and with a little white showing towards the base of the feathers on the nape ; the upper tail-coverts, which are of the same colour as the back, have also a pure white spot about the middle of each feather, but rather nearer to the base than to the tip.
The upper surfaces of the primaries are greyish brown, barred transversely with darker brown ; above the notch the intervals between these dark transverse bars are white on the inner web, as they are throughout the whole length of the feathers on its under surface. On the secondaries and ter- tiaries there are traces of similar markings, but much less distinct.
* These particulars were given on Mr. Andersson's tickets attached to the specimens ; but I can find no remarks respecting them in his MS. notes.
368 Mr. J. H. Gurney's Notes on
The inner lining of the wing is white, with narrow trans- verse brown bars at small intervals, much resembling the bars on the breast in their character and arrangement.
The upper surface of the tail is crossed with four bars of dark brown, the lowest being terminal, with the exception of a narrow white tip to the rectrices ; these dark bars, which are all of nearly equal width, are alternated with other bars of similar width but of a paler brown ; and in the centre of each of these paler bars is a pure white spot, including a por- tion of the shaft of the feather, which is there white also ; these spots, which are largest on the upper portion of the tail, and diminish in size as they approach its extremity, occur on all the rectrices.
The underside of the tail shows five dark transverse bars, the intervals between which, including the portions of the feather-shafts which they comprise, are white, as are also the under tail-coverts.
The whole remainder of the undersurface of this specimen is white, with narrow transverse grey bars at small intervals, the bars themselves, and also the intervals between them, being much narrower on the throat than elsewhere.
The immature female is dark brown on all the upper parts which in the adult male are grey ; but the feathers of the fore- head and of the sides of the head and neck are broadly mar- gined with white; the hindermost tertiaries and a few adja- cent feathers of the back are also slightly tinged with rufous, especially at the tip.
The tail has five dark transverse bars on the upper, and six on the under surface, the lowest bar being terminal ; in the intermediate paler species the shafts only of the rectrices are white.
The breast shows the appearance of a few adult feathers, resembling those on the breast of the adult male; the re- maining plumage of the underparts, which is still immature, is also transversely barred, but the bars are wider apart than in the adult, and slightly sagittate in their arrangement ; the feathers on the crop also show a narrow brown shaft-mark ; and both on the breast, abdomen, and thighs the white in-
Mr. R. B. Sharpens Catalogue of Accipitres. 3G9
tervals between the transverse marks are slightly tinged with pale brown wherever the immature plumage remains.
The throat is a pure unbroken white^ as are also the under tail-coverts, with the exception of a few indistinct traces of dark transverse bars towards their lower extremity.
The comparative length of the primaries in this species is fourth, fifth, third, sixth, second, and first ; and the third, fourth, and fifth primaries are rather conspicuously emargi- nate on the outer as well as on the inner web.
The following are the measurements of the two specimens above described.
Male. Female,
in. in.
Totallength 13-4 15-5
Wing, from cai-pal joint 9-2 10"4*
Tail 6-5 7-6
Tarsus 1-7 2-1
Culmen, e.xclusive of cere "55 "6
Middle toe, s. u 14 1-7
Outer toe, s. u '8 "9
Inner toe, s. u '6 '8
Hind toe, s. u '6 '7
P.S. Since the above notes were written, a third specimen of this Hawk has come to light, which also formed part of one of Mr. Anderssou's South- African collections, but unfortunately without any record of the locality where it was obtained. It was marked by Mr. Andersaon as a male ; but I feel doubtful as to its really being so, its measurements, which are sub- joined, being intermediate between those of the two examples previously described. Jq
Total length 14
Wing from carpal joint 10-2
Tail 7-4
Tarsus l-7o
Culmen, exclusive of cere -So
Middle toe, s. u 1'6
Outer toe, s. u "9
Inner toe, s. u -S
Hind toe, s. u -7
This specimen, which is about to be placed in the Norwich Museum, agrees in its general plumage with the immature female described above,
* Allowing '3 for an abrasion of the tips of tlie wings. . SER. III. VOL. v. 2 I)
370 Mr. O. Salvin on the Birds of
but is apparently somewhat younger and consequently less wora and fadtid ; it also shows no signs of beginning to assume the adult plumagf, and differs from the immature specimen previously described in having six dark transverse bars on the upper surface of the tail and seven on the under surface, also in having a narrow shaft-mark of dark brown on each feather of the throat.
[To be continued.]
XXXI. — Additional Notes on the Birds of the Islands of Mas- afuera and Juan Fernandez. By Osbert Salvin, M.A., F.R.S., &c.
Mr. Hanbury Barclay has lately placed in my hands for determination an interesting series of bird-skins, brought from Chili by his brother, Mr. Charles Barclay, and collected by the well-known naturalist, Herr Leybold, of Valparaiso. Amongst them are a series of skins from the island of Mas- afuera, made by an agent of Herr Leybold's. My present notes refer to this portion of the collection ; but I hope at a future occasion to make a further communication on the birds of the rest of the series, which contains some of considerable interest.
Our knowledge of the ornis of the islands to which I now refer is summarized in a short paper by Mr. Sclater, pub- lished in this Journal (Ibis, 1871, pp. 178-183), since which time the only further reference that has been made to it is by Mr. E. C. Reed', who also communicated some notes on the subject to 'The Ibis' last year (1874, pp. 81-84).
The contents of Herr Leybold's collection are as follows : —
OXYURUS MASAFUERiE.
Many examples, all agreeing closely with one another, and with the bird figured in ' The Ibis ' (1871, t. vii. f. 2).
CiNCLODES FUSCUS. EUSTEPHANUS LEYBOLDI.
Several males and two females. The latter confirm the characters pointed out by Mr. Gould in his description of this species, and show that its distinctness from the nearly
Mas-afuera and Juan Fernandez. 371
allied E. fernandensis is quite definable. The male is hardly distinguishable from J5J. fernandensis; but, besides being a little larger, the bright colour of the crown extends further back towards the nape. The female differs in the colouring of the rectrices. All of these except the median pair in E. fernandensis are white on their inner webs, whereas in E. leyboldi the white on this portion of the feather is re- stricted to the tip and a narrow margin of the inner edge.
In Mr. Sclater^s paper a Buzzard is included as an inhabi- tant of Mas-afuera under the name of B. erythronotus . His authority for so doing rested upon a skin of an immature bird in our collection. Mr. Barclay^s series contains adults of this bird, which show that it differs specifically from the con- tinental B. erythronotus ; and for it I now propose the name
BUTEO EXSUL.
Buteo erythronotus, Scl. Ibis, 1871, p. 182 (nee D'Orb.). ^ supra obscure schistaceus ; genis paulo pallidioribus ; hu- meris et interscapularibus albo stricte marginatis ; alis nigris plumbeo obsolete transfasciatis, secundariorum apicibus albis ; subtiis pure albus, abdomine fasciis an- gustis fere obsoletis notato ; subalaribus albis plumbeo- nigro sparse fasciolatis, axillaribus plumbeo-nigris, exterioribus albo transfasciatis : alis intiis albis griseo vermiculatis, in secundariis quasi fasciatis ; supra- caudalibus lateralibus albis; cauda alba, fasciis decem angustis et una lata subapicali nigris notata ; rostro et unguibus corneis, cera et pedibus flavis : long, tota cir. 20 poll., alse 15, caudae 8, tarsi 3'5. ? mari similis sed major. Long, tot 24 poll., alae 17, caudse 9, tarsi 3'8. Hab. in insula Chiliana " Mas-afuera " dicta. Obs. Species distincta ; Buteoni erythronoto similis, sed co- loribus suprk obscurioribus, plumis interscapularibus albo marginatis, genis obscuris nee striatis, dignoscenda; femina interscapulio ei maris simili nee rufo distinguenda.
This Buzzard has its nearest ally in B. erythronotus, but, as already stated, may in its adult state be at once distin- guished from that species by the darker slaty grey colour of its upper plumage, and also by the female having the back uniformly coloured, just as in the male, the female of B. ery-
2 D 2
372 ^Ir. O. Salvin on the Birds of
thronotus being, as its name implies, dark rich red all over the interscapulary region.
The immature bird is not to be distinguished from the young of the continental representative.
INIr. Reed (Ibis, 1874, p. 84) says that he believes this Buz- zard to have been attracted to Mas-afuera by the numbei's of domestic cats which abound in a wild state in the island. This can hardly be ; for, in the first place, the Biazzard, though a powerful bird, is no match for a cat ; and then, again, the question arises, on what did the Buzzards live before cats were introduced into the island by the Spaniards? It can- not be that they have assumed their present specific differ- ences from B. erythronotus during the short time the cats have been there, probably little more than two centuries. I have little doubt that the food of these birds consists to a great extent, if not entirely, of refuse thrown up by the sea. just as is the case with the Buzzard of the Galapagos Islands, or Crus- tacea, upon which Buteo borealis feeds in the island of Socorro.
Besides B. exsul two other Hawks occur in Hen* Ley hold's collection, viz. : —
BuTEO SWAINSONI.
The range of this bird has recently been shown by Mr. Ridg- way (N. Am. B. iii. p. 263) and Mr. Sharpe to extend to the region of the La Plata, and even to Patagonia. The single skin (an adult) agrees closely with an example from the latter locality in the British Museum.
Circus macropterus, Vieill.
Circus macropterus, V.; Scl. & Salv. Nomencl. p. 118.
This bird has a very extensive range in South America. The single specimen sent agrees very well with continental examples.
There are also two specimens of
HjEMATOPUS ater, agreeing with Falkland-Island skins. I also find two Petrels, one being the common
Daption capensis.
The other is a species of (Estrelata, perhaps allied to (E.
Mas-afuera and Juan Fernandez. 373
seHcea (Less.) . Having searched in vain for a name appli- cable to this bird, I am obliged to bestow a new one upon it, a course I should take with more reluctance did it not possess characters well defined for this intricate group of birds.
CESTRELATA EXTERNA, Sp. U.
Supra plumbeo-nigra, plurais omnibus intiis albis, collo postico fere albo, plumarum apicibus pallidissime griseis, scapu- larium et dorsi plumarum marginibus griseis ; supracau- dalibus lateraliter griseis ; fronte, corpore subtiis et pa- gina alarum inferiore pure albis; remigibus plumbeo- nigris, intiis nisi in apicibus albis ; rectricibus lateralibus obscure griseis, in pogonii interni dimidio basali albis, omnium apicibus obscurioribus ; rostro nigro, tarsis et pedibus flavis, horum dimidio terminali nigro : long, tota 16, alse Wo, caudee 5, tarsi 1"4, rostri a rictu 1*8, dig. med. 1-9. In order to be sure that the present bird was not referable to that described by Lesson (Man. ii. p. 402) as Pujffinus sericeus, I sent the single adult specimen to Dr. Oustalet, asking him to compare it with the type of Lessou^s descrip- tion, preserved in the Museum of the Jardin des Plantes. This he most obligingly undertook, and wrote me the follow- ing letter. This not only shows that (E. externa must be considered quite distinct from P. sericeus, but conclusively points out the proper position of the latter bird to be in the genus (Estrelata, and not in Puffinus, as placed by Lesson, nor in Adamastor, to which genus it was assigned by Bona- parte, to whose determination Dr. Coues assented. The tarsi compressed in Puffinus, more " quadrilateral " or Lariform in (Estrelata, show characters that have not received the atten- tion due to them. By them these two genera [Adainastor resembling Puffinus) can be recognized without fail. Dr. Oustalet^s letter is as follows : —
Museum d'Histohe Naturelle,
Paris, 2 Juin, 1875.
Cher Monsieur, — J'ai compare attentivement Foiseau que vous m'avez envoye avec le type du Puffinus sericeus, Less., et je me suis convaincu que les deux oiseaux sont complete-
374 Mr. O. Salvin on the Birds of
inent difFerents specifiquement, mais qii'ils peuvent etre ranges dans un meme groupe avec I' (Estrelata diabolica L'herm.
Le Puffinus sericeus n'a jjas les t arses comprimes, il les a quadrilateres^ comme votre oiseau.
Le Puffinus sericeus ne me parait done pas un Puffinus, mais plutot une (Estrelata ; il a les tarses longs de 4 centi- metres, et le doigt median (rongle non eompris) de 5 cent. ; la membrane s^etend jusqu'aii milieu des ongles, et comme Bonaparte le dit (Consp. ii. 188), elle est bordee de noiratre ; il n' y a pas, comme le dit Lesson, une tache noire sur chaque articulation, mais des taches irregulieres, qui couvrent presque entierement le doigt externe de chaque patte, s^etendent sur la derniere phalange du doigt median, sur quelques points du doigt interne et sur le bord de la membrane digitale ; le bee est assez long et relativement robuste, plus robuste que dans votre oiseau, mais absolument de la meme forme.
La tete du P. sericeus est entierement blanche, a ^exception de quelques tiges de plumes brunatres et d\ine tache noiratre qui s^etend k travers la region oculaire ; la base du cou n'est pas blanchatre comme dans votre exemplaire, elle est d^un gris roussatre ; cette teinte s^etend sur le dos, ou elle devient plus foncee ; les ailes sont brunes, k reflets grisatres, et les remiges d^un brun noiratre. Le dessous des ailes, qui est blanc dans votre oiseau, est d^un brun clair argente, moins fonce que le dessus des ailes ; dans le voisinage de Taisselle il y a ce- pendant quelques plumes presque entierement blanches ; la queue, qui est d'un gris de fer dans votre oiseau, est dans le P. sericeus d'xm gris jaunatre beaucoup plus clair que la teinte du dos ; enfin toutes les parties inferieures sont blanches.
Comme vous le voyez, la description de Lesson et celle de Bonaparte sont, somme toute, assez exactes, et concordent bien avec le signalement donne par Tschudi d'un oiseau de cette espece tue pres 54° lat. sud environ (Journ. fiir Ornith. 1856, p. 182) ; mais le signalement donne par ces difFerents auteurs ne s'applique pas au specimen que vous m'avez envoye, et qui a le bee moins fort, les pattes moins robustes, les tarses plus courts, les doigts moins longs, la tete plus foncee, le dos plus gris et moins brunatre, la queue plus
Mas-afuera and Juan Fernandez. 375
grise, et enfin les ailes un peu moius longues relativement k la queue.
Je rapprocherais plus volontiers votre specimen de quelques individus du Musee de Paris qui ont ete rapportes de la Gua- deloupe par L'herminier, et dont Tun est peut-etre le type du Procellaria diabolica de L^herminier. Ces oiseaux ont pour la plupart la tete grisatre, le dos d'un gris brunatre, et les ailes depassant legerement la queue; mais ils se distinguent de votre specimen : — 1°, par leurs teintes un peu plus foncees, plus brunatres et moins grises ; T, par leur bee, dont le cro- chet est plus rapproche du tube des narines ; 3", par les plumes du bas du dos, voisines des couvertures superieures de la queue, moins longues et ne cachant pas autant la teinte blanche des tectrices ; enfin, 4°, par la bande noire distincte que Fon re- marque le long du bord, k la face interne de l^aile.
En resume done il n'y a, parmis les oiseaux que j^ai pu voir, aucun specimen identique k votre specimen, quoique ce dernier me semble du meme genre que les (Estrelata sericea {Puff, sericeus Less.) et les (Estrelata diabolica L^herm. {= (Estre- lata hcBsitata Kuhl?). En outre je crois qu^il faut retirer du genre Adamastor et eloigner des Pujffinus le P. sericeus de Lesson.
Tels sont, cher Monsieur, les renseignements que je puis vous donner ; j^espere quails pourront vous suffire, et je me mets tout k votre disposition pour ceux dont vous pourriez avoir besoin a Favenir, vous demandant k mon tour la per- mission de recourir quelquefois k vos lumieres. Veuillez agreer, cher Monsieur, Tassurance de mon eutier devouement et mes meilleures salutations.
E. OUSTALET.
Compared with (E. defilippiana, Gigl. & Salvad. (Ibis, 1869, p. 63), (E. externa appears to have some resemblance ; but, be- sides the great disparity of size, the description of the former indicates dilBFerences in coloration which show that the two species cannot be identical. With Procellaria maculata, Tsch. (J. f. Orn. 1856, p. 185) {(Estrelata maculata, Coues, Pr. Ac. Phil. 1866, p. 191); the new species would also ap-
376 The Birds of Mas-afuera and Juan Fernandez.
pear to be allied ; but (E. maculata, with other differential charactei'Sj is said to have the whole head white, which must distinguish it from (E. externa. (E. maculata is said by its describer to be found on Juan Fernandez, and to breed on Mas-afiiera; but it has not since been recognized*. CE. defilippiana is from the same seas, having been taken during the voyage of the 'Magenta' in lat. 18° 4' S., long. 79° 35' W., and between Callao and Valparaiso.
Of (E. externa three specimens were sent, one adult and two young, partly in grey down and partly feathered. The latter are in a specially interesting state, as they show that the young assume the precise plumage of the adult with their first feathers.
Before leaving the Petrels of these islands, I may mention that I have lately acquired specimens, obtained by Mr. Reed on Juan Fernandez, of a species which I make out to belong to that described as Puffinus creatopus by Dr. Coues from a single specimen, obtained by Dr. Cooper off the coast of Cali- fornia (Proc. Ac. Phil. 1864, p. 131).
Dr. Coues's description is so good that I feel very confident in the determination of the species, notwithstanding the vast distance intervening between Juan Fernandez and the island where the type was obtained. Mr. Reed speaks of having found Thalassoeca glacialoides in numbers on Juan Fernandez. As his skins belong to Puffinus creatopus, possibly it was this bird that he referred to. I have, too, a specimen of Daption capensis from the same island.
The following is a revised list of the birds of these two islands : —
1. Turdus falklandicus , Juan Fernandez and Mas-afuera,
2. An(Bretes fernandezianus, Juan Fernandez.
3. Oxyurus masafuera, Mas-afuera.
4. Cinch des f us cus, Mas-afuera.
5. Eustephanus galeritus, Juan Fernandez.
* It appears to me doubtful, on reading Tschudi's description of this bird, if it is really, as Dr. Coues supposes, referable to the genus (Estre- lata. Its yellow bill and legs recall Thalassoeca glacialoides ; all CEstrelatct have, so far as I know, the bill black.
Mr. E. P. Ramsay on Rhipidura rufifrous. 377
6. Eustephanus fernandensis, Juan Fernandez.
7. leyboldi, Mas-afuera. ^
8. Asio brachyotus, Juan Fernandez,
9. Circus macropterus , Mas-afuera.
10. Buteo exsul, Mas-afuera.
11. swainsoni, Mas-afuera.
12. Tinnunculus sparverius, Juan Fernandez.
13. Hamatopus ater, Mas-afuera.
14. Daption capensis, Juan Fernandez and Mas-afuera.
15. (Estrelata externa, Mas-afuera.
16. Pu^nus creatopus, Juan Fernandez.
17. Spheniscus humboldti, Juan Fernandez.
Tavo other species of Petrels are said to frequent these islands, viz. Thalassmca glacialoides and (Estrelata (?) macu- lata ; but of neither have I yet seen examples. Of this family several other members doubtless also occur, such as (Estrelata sericea, (E. defilippiana, and also other species common on the coasts of Chili and Peru.
XXXII. — Notes on Rhipidura rufifrons, with a Description of its Eggs and Nest. By Edward P. Ramsay, C.M.Z.S. &c.
This showy and interesting species is a regular visitor to the neighbourhood of Sydney. Although I cannot ascertain that it is strictly a migratory bird. Like many of our species it roams over the country at stated intervals ; thus, near Sydney and Parramatta &c. it makes its appearance in pairs about the end of March, sometimes earlier, sometimes later than the 20th of the month. They frequently remain until the end of September : a few may stay through the summer to breed ; but the majority of them either leave us altogether, or disperse themselves so thinly over the country that they are seldom seen ; and although I have frequently looked for them, I have never yet found them breeding near Sydney. In the dense brushes and scrubs on the Clarence and Richmond rivers in New South Wales, and on the Mary, Burnett, and other rivers in Queensland, I have occasionally met with them
378 Mr. E. P. Ramsay on Rhipidura rufifrons.
breeding, but was never fortunate enough to secure their eggs. In their habits they closely resemble R. albiscapa, and in spreading their tail show the bright rufous rump and upper tail-coverts very conspicuously. They are pleasing and fearless little birds, hopping about you as if they were too common even for a naturalist to molest. I have frequently watched them for hours, and find that they seldom travel far when once having taken up their abode in any favourite part of the scrub, and may be found weeks afterwards, if undis- turbed, near the same spot. I noticed this fact with respect to the habits of many of the Australian Flycatchers of this genus, and also with Ophryzone kaupi, the habits of which I had, during the summer of 1873-74, numerous opportunities of studying in Northern Queensland.
My esteemed friend and old schoolfellow, Ralph Hargrave, Esq., has been fortunate enough lately to add to his fine col- lection many beautiful and rare eggs of Australian birds, among them those of the "Cat-bird'^ {Ailurcedus smithi), the Satin Bower-bird [Ptilonorhynchus holosericeus) , and those of the present species {Rhipidura 7'ufifrons), which he has kindly lent me for description.
The nest, Mr. Hargrave remarks, resembles that of R. mo- tacilloides ; it is smaller, and a more debcate structure, inter- mediate in size between the nest of that species and that of R. albiscapa ; it was placed on a small forked twig in a shady part of a dense scrub at Stanwell, near Bulli, in the lUawarra dis- trict ; it was composed of fine shreds of bark and grasses, in- termixed with a quantity of cobweb. The bottom of the nest was produced a little below the twig uj)on which it was placed, rounded below, but not elongated into a tail, which is always a noticeable feature in the nest of R. albiscapa.
The eggs are of a pale cream-colour, zoned at the larger end with spots and dots of light umber, and a few bluish grey dots, which appear beneath the surface of the shell ; in fact they resemble miniature eggs of R. motacilloides , although quite distinct from the eggs of that species.
Length *7 inch, breadth '55 inch.
Capt. G. E, Shelley on African Birds. 379
XXXIII. — Afetv stray Notes on African Birds. By Captain G. E. Shelley, F.R.G.S.
In the British Museum there is a specimen of Caprimulgus which I received from Accra, West Africa, and which appears to be new. It belongs to the same group as C. natalensis, Smith, and C. fulviventris, Hartl., from which it may be dis- tinguished by its general ashy brown plumage, and especially by the colouring of the pectoral band, and differs, in my opinion, more from C. fulviventris than that bird does from C natalensis. In such a complicated group as the Goat- suckers, it is hard to say if these local varieties are of real specific value ; I shall therefore name this bird, after the lo- cality from whence the type was procured,
Caprimulgus accrjE, n. sp.
Most nearly allied to C. fulviventris, Hartl., from which it differs in the general ashy, not rufous-brown plumage of the head, back, scapulars, upper surface of the wings,, tail, and pectoral band. The tail has much less white, that colour being confined to the outer web and '7 inch of the tip of the outer feather and to "2 of the next one. Above ashy brown with large black triangular centres to the feathers, down the middle of the crown and of the scapulars (as in C. natalensis and C. fulviventris) ; sides of the crown pale ashy brown, not shaded with rufous. Upper surface of wing similarly marked to those of the two above-mentioned species ; but the coverts and secondaries are ashy, like the back. The undersurface of the wing is identical in the three species. Collar barely per- ceptible on the back of the neck ; a few of the feathers on the sides of the neck are identically the same in the three species (black, broadly edged with buff) . The pectoral band dark brown, the feathers finely pencilled and barred or freckled with ashy white, with partially defined white bars or spots at the ends of the feathers. In the other two species the pectoral band is dark brown, nearly black, with broad dis- tinct buff bars and edges, best defined in C. fulviventris, and more interrupted and with black borders forming the buff into rather bold spots in C. natalensis. In all tliree species
380 Capt. G. E. Shelley on African Birds,
the abdomen and under tail-coverts are of a similar rufous buff.
The comparative dimensions of the three species are shown by the following table : a. Type of C. accrcB ; b. Type of C. fulviventris, Angola {Monteiro) ; c. Gaboon [Ansell) ; d. ^ ; e. ? , C natalen-sis, Natal [Ayres) .
Length. Wing. Tarsus. Tail. Culmen.
in. in. in. in. in.
a 8-3 5-8 -7 4-35 -45
h 8-3 6 -7 4-2
c 7-3 5-G -7 3-8
d. 8-4 6-3 -85 4-4
e 8-1 01 -85 3-9
Neodrepanis coruscans, Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1875, p. 7Ci, ? .
Mr. Sharpe based the characters for his genus Neodropanis upon the female bird. From the more recent discovery of the male (a good specimen of which is in my collection) we may add to these generic characters. In the male there are large wattles round the eyes, covering the greater portion of the sides of the head. The sexes are otherwise very similar in plumage.
The bare wattled skin on the sides of the head appears to be grey ; but this is probably of a blue colour in life.
Drymceca natalensis, Smith.
The specimens sent me from Pinetown^ Natal, by Mr. T. L. Ayres, of the true D. natalensis, Smith, differ very con- siderably in their measurements, but are perfectly similar in plumage. They differ considerably in the shade of colouring of the upper parts from a specimen of D. curvi- rostris, Transvaal (Ayres), but very nearly approach in colour to some of my specimens of D. fortirostris from the Gold Coast, which birds, however, agree entirely with D. curvirostris , in colour, markings, and measurements. I have long considered D. fortirostris and D. curvirostris syno- nymous ; and I believe Z>. natalensis to be the same species in pale plumage.
For comparison I give the following measurements of twelv? specimens: — a, h,c, ? . Pinetown (7". h. Ayres); d. Maritz-
Capt. G. E. Shelley on African Birds. 381
berg (Buckley); e. Transvaal [Ayres) ; f,g,h,i.j,k,l. Gold Coast [Shelley ^- Buckley) .
Culmeu. Wing. Tarsus. Tail.
in. in. in. in.
a -55 2-9 1-20 3
b -55 2-9 1-20 3
c -50 2f) 105 2-7
d. -55 27 115 3-1
e -55 2-9 1-15 2-0
/ -50 2-7 1-10 2-4
g -50 2-6 105 21
h -50 2-7 110 2-4
i. -45 2-2 -95 2
/. -50 2-7 110 2-3
k -65 2-5 1-10 2-3
/, -45 2-2 -95 2-3
The form of the wings and the proportional lengths of the primaries are identically the same in all.
The undersurface of the body is similar in all, excepting in d, which has those parts strongly washed with sulphur-yellow.
The colouring of the upper parts is the same in a, b, c, d, f, and /, but darker and more ashy in the others. In i it is just intermediate between the darker and the paler forms.
The seven Gold-Coast specimens undoubtedly belong to one species, which Sir W. Jardine, having compared with his D.for- tirostris, kindly wrote and told me were identical with that bird.
The Transvaal D. curvirostris is identical in plumage with specimen y from the Gold Coast, but diflPers very slightly in measurements.
The Pinetown D. natalensis is identical in plumage with /, which is intermediate in its dimensions between b and c.
I have thus come to the conclusion that all these specimens belong to one species, which has therefore the following syn- onymy : —
Drym(eca natalensis. Smith, 111. Zool. S. Afr. pi. 80 (1849). Dryrnoica curvirostris, Sundev. Oefv. k. Vet. Ak. Forh. Stockh. vii. p. 104 (1850).
Drymuica fortirostris, Jard. Contr. Orn. 1852, p. 60.
Lanius BAuius, Hartl. Journ. f. Orn. ii. 1854, p. 100 (descr, oi'ig')- o adult. Gold Coast. Type in Brem. Mus.
383 Capt. G. E. Sliellcy on African Birds.
Lanius rufus, part., Hart. Oru. W. Afr. p. 103, note (1857).
Lanius auriculatus, Shelley & Buckley, Ibis, 1872, p. 292 (necMiill.).
Hab. Guinea.
This is undoubtedly a good species, easily distinguished from L. auriculatus, Miill., by the absence of white on the primaries. Dr. Hartlaub's original description is very clear. The measurements of two specimens, collected by my- self between Accra and Aguapim, give the following result : —
Culnien. Wing. Tarsus.
in. in. in.
n, adult -65 4-2 -Uo
i,juv -60 .3-9 1
This is evidently a rare species in collections, and has not to my knowledge been met with elsewhere than on the Guinea coast. Of the numerous specimens of Woodchat Shrikes 1 have seen from Northern Africa and from Senegal, all are undoubtedly L. auriculatus, Miill.
tEgialitis indica (Less.).
jEgialitis tricollaris, Shelley & Buckley, Ibis, 1872, p. 293. Cape-Coast Castle.
Hab. Fantee.
I am able now for the first time to record the true locality of this species. Lesson's very inappropriate name, indica, given to it from his mistaken notion that it came from India, is, no doubt, the reason that, up to the present time, the type has been considered unique. The specimen collected at El- mina by Weiss, in Mus. Hamb., as mentioned by Dr. Hart- laub (Orn. W.Afr. p. 217), I think, may very possibly prove to be another example of this species.
The Cape-Coast specimen now before me, is rather larger than ^. tricollaris, VieilL, has the tarsus very considerably longer, has no white forehead, and has on the outer tail-fea- thers an additional dark bar. The eyelids and legs were, when fresh, of a clear pink, and I believe the base of the bill was also of that colour ; but unfortunately no notes were made to that effect at the time. The irides were dark brown.
The Cape-Coast specimen here referred to was shot by Mr.
^J.l^
so^^
lbis.lB75Pl,D(,
JGKeulemans ]ith.
M<?c,N.Hanhart imp
/-.^ 1. CHLOROSPINGUS^SPECULIFERUS. Fiy. 2 . SE RP OPI-IA GA LE UC URA.
Mr. G. N. Lawrence on new American Birds. 383
T. E. Buckley in some rushy ground on the 8th Feb., 1872, and was, I believe, the only specimen we saw. Later, when we met with the true tricollaris, Vieill., in South Africa, both Mr. Buckley and myself came to the conclusion that our Fantee bird was distinct.
Mr. J. E. Harting most generously lent me his valuable notes which he had made from the type specimen of Lesson^s indica, which at once enabled me to assign that name to the Fantee bird. I trust that Mr. Harting will give some further details respecting this species in another of his exhaustive papers on rare or little-known Limicolae.
XXXIV. — Descriptions of five new Species of American Birds. By George N. Lawrence.
(Plate IX.*)
Chlorospingus? speculiferus. Plate IX. fig. 1.
Entire upper plumage and sides of the head olive-brown ; the feathers of the crown have their centres dark brown with their margins greyish ; the two central tail-feathers are coloured like the back, the others are light reddish brown and are closely crossed with nearly obsolete darker bars ; quill-feathers dark brown, first edged with grey on the outer primaries, the outer webs of the fourth, fifth, and sixth primaries are marked near their bases with white, partly concealed by the wing- coverts, the portion beyond the coverts appearing as a small triangular spot ; the under plumage is greyish white, and has a somewhat mottled appearance, owing to the darker bases of the feathers showing a little ; the sides are dusky, with a tinge of rufous ; under tail-coverts light rufous, with dusky centres ; upper mandible dark brown, the under pale brownish white ; tarsi and toes brownish black.
Length 6| inches, wing 3|, tail 2|, bill f, tarsus |.
Hab. Porto Rico. Discovered by Dr. J. Gundlach.
Type in National Museum, Washington, U. S.
Remarks. This is a peculiar-looking bird, and I am not sure [* This Plate will be issued with the October Number. — Ed.]
384 Mr. Ct. N. Lawrence on new American Birds.
that tlie true position has been assigned to it"'^ : it is larger than all other species of Chlorospingus ; but the bill agrees closely in form with those of some members of the genus, especially that of C. flavigularis.
Chlorospingus nigrifrons.
Front, lores, and sides of the head black ; the feathers of the crown and occiput are yellowish green, with blackish centres ; a white stripe extends from the bill, over the eye, and along the crown as far as upon a line with the hind neck ; there is also a white mai-k upon the lower eyelid ; upper plu- mage with the smaller and middle wing-coverts yellowish green, the larger wing-coverts have their inner webs black, their outer gi-eenish yellow ; quills and tail-feathers blackish brown, with their outer margins the colour of the back ; spurious wing brownish black ; entire under plumage bright yellow ; under wing-coverts of a paler yellow ; inner margins of quills white ; upper mandible black, the under brownish horn-colour; tarsi and toes dark brown.
Length 5 inches, wing 2|, tail 2f, bill -^, tarsi |.
Hub. Ecuador.
Closely allied to C. superciliaris, from which it differs in having the forehead and crown blackish instead of grey.
Serpophaga leucura. Plate IX. fig. 2.
Crown dusky cinereous; hind neck and back brownish olive, with a greenish wash on the the lower back and rump ; outer three tail-feathers white, the outermost entirely of that colour, the next with the outer margin of the outer web pale brown for its terminal half, the third has the entire outer web pale brown ; the other tail-feathers are light slaty brown, some of them tipped with white ; wings blackish brown, the outer primaries margined with white, the inner, with the secondaries and tertiaries, have bright rufous margins, and their ends bordered with white ; the smaller wing-coverts are coloured like the back, the middle and greater coverts are black, broadly ending with pale rufous- white, forming two bars across the wings; spurious wing black ; the under wing-coverts are very • [A new genus should, we think, be made to receive this bird. — El).]
Mr. Ct. N. Lawrence on new American Birds. 385
pale yellow ; inner margins of quills wliite ; under plumage greyish white on the neck and breast, becoming of a very pale yellow on the abdomen and under tail-coverts ; bill and tarsi brownish black.
Length 3| inches, wing 2, tail 1|, bill -j%, tarsi f .
Hab. Ecuador.
Allied to Serpophaga pmcilocerca, Scl. & Salv., from which it differs in having the margins of the secondaries and inner primaries rufous instead of yellowish olive, in the rump being uniformly coloured with the back, instead of being white, and in having the outer rectrices wholly white, these being oliva- ceous in the allied species on the outer web.
Orchilus atricapillus.
Todirostrum ecaudatum, Lawr. (nee Lafr.) Ann. Lye, N. Y. ix. p. 110.
Male. The entire crown is black ; the lores are also black, except a white mark extending from the bill to the eye on each side, separating them from the black crown ; eyelids white ; under the eye blackish ash ; the colour on the sides of the head behind the eye, extending to the hind neck and on the upper part of the back, is of a clear bluish-cinereous ; breast also cinereous, but lighter in colour ; throat greyish white ; abdomen pale yellow ; flanks and thighs blackish ash ; under wing-coverts pale yellow ; back, rump, and upper tail-coverts yellowish green; wings black, the primaries narrowly edged with olive-green, the secondaries and wing-coverts conspicu- ously margined with yellow of a greenish tinge ; tail black, the feathers with margins the colour of the back ; bill black ; tarsi and toes very pale flesh-colour.
First primary shorter than the fifth, third and fourth equal and longest.
Length 2 J inches, wing lyV, tail f, bill ^^, tarsus \.
Hab. Costa Rica, Angostura (/. Carmiol), and Volcan de Irazu (/. Zeledon, under Prof. W. M. Gabb) .
Remarks. As will be seen in my Catalogue of birds found n Costa Rica {I. c.) , I referred this species to Todirostrum ecaudatum. When Mr. Salvin was here last year, in going
SER. III. VOL. v. 2 E
386 Mr. G. N. Lawrence on new American Birds.
over my colleetion he noticed the black crown of this bird, and thought it differed from a specimen of Orchilus ecaudatus in his possession. Since his return home I wrote, calling his attention to it, and requesting him to inform me if he thought the two differed ; he replied as follows : — " I have looked at my spe- cimen of O. ecaudatus (said to be from Bolivia), and find it has a grey head, as I imagined ; this being the case, the Costa- Rica bird is undescribed."
In referring it to 0. ecaudatus, I was misled by its general resemblance to that species, and especially by its abnormally short tail, in which character they agree. On a hasty com- parison with D'Orbigny^s figure they look much alike ; but on comparing with the figure more carefully, aided by his de- scription, the two birds are shown to be clearly distinct. Besides some minor differences, the most marked are the black crown of the present species, the white line through the lores, the ash-colour on the sides of the head, on the hind neck, and on the breast, and in its clear yellow abdomen. In 0. ecaudatus the crown is cinereous, there is no white in the lores, the hind neck is uniform in colour with the back, and "the underparts are whitish, tinged with yellowish green on the belly and flanks."
The specimen from Angostvira, collected by Mr. J. Carmiol, is not in very good condition ; but another, in a collection from Prof. Gabb, of the Talamanca Expedition, has aided me in making out some of the characters.
Both specimens belong to the National Museum, Wash- ington, U. S.
Empidonax nanus.
Above dull greenish olive, darker on the crown, and brighter on the rump ; tail dark brown, the outer web of the lateral feather pale fulvous ; smaller wing-coverts the colour of the back ; the middle and larger coverts are brownish black, end- ing Avith white, forming two bars aci'oss the wings ; the quill feathers are dark brown, the third and fourth primaries are narrowly edged with greyish white, the inner quills just per- ceptibly edged with light rufous ; uiuler lining of wings very
Letters, Announcements, S^c. 387
pale yellow ; throat greyish white ; breast, abdomen, and under tail-coverts pale whitish fulvous ; thighs light brown ; upper mandible brown, the under whitish horn-colour, dusky on the sides ; tarsi and toes brownish black.
The first primary is abnormally short, measuring but If^ inch, third quill longest ; tail emarginate.
Length 4| inches, wing 2^\, tail 2, bill |, tarsus \^.
Hub. St. Domingo : obtained by Prof. W. M. Gabb.
Type in National Museum, Washington, U. S.
Remarks. This appears to be the smallest of the genus yet described. The colouring of the upper plumage is most like that of E. hammondi ; but it differs in having the breast devoid of ashy colouring, and the abdomen, and especially the under tail-coverts, having a decided fulvous tinge ; it wants the white margins on the smaller quills, so conspicuous in most of its allies.
XXXV. — Letters, Announcements, 8^c.
The following letters, addressed " To the Editor of ' Thr Ibis,^ " have been received : —
Sir, — Since publishing the notes on Severtzoff's 'Turkes- tanskie Jevotnie,' in the January number of ' The Ibis,^ I have had an opportunity of examining specimens of the bird re- ferred to by Severtzoff under the name of Carduelis orientalis, Eversm. Mr. Gould possesses examples from Turkestan, sent to him by the Russian collectors, labelled C. orientalis ; and on comparing these with examples of Carduelis caniceps, Vig., also in Mr. Gould's collection, I can detect no specific dif- ference : therefore the name orientalis, Eversm., will sink into a synonym of Carduelis caniceps.
Yours &c.,
H. E. Dresser.
6 Tenterden Street, W. June 4th, 1875.
Sir, — I have lately made a small collection of birds in Sind, the greater portion being from the hill-ranges on the western
388 Letters, Announcements, &;c.
frontier of British territory and the desert or semidcsert plains at their base. I have been able to add but very few forms to Mr. Hume's list of the Sind avifauna^ published in 'Stray Feathei-s' (vol. i. pp. 91-289) ; but one specimen, A\'hich was shot by a native collector, and brought to me in the flesh, is, I think, a male of Hypocolius ampelinus, Hartlaub, figured and described by Heuglin in 'The Ibis' for 1868 (p. 181, PI. Y.) . So far as I am aware, this species has hitherto only been found in Abyssinia, where it can scarcely be common, as neither j\Ir. Jesse nor I obtained it ; and it is a very interest- ing addition to the birds of Western India.
My specimen is, above, of a purer grey than those described by Heuglin ; the crown of the head is of the same colour as the back towards the nape, and has an isabelline tinge only towards the forehead, even there being very much darker than the chin and throat are. But these differences are very pos- sibly due to the state of the plumage, and I greatly doubt if they are of specific value. The first long primary is grey towards the tip, not white ; and the second has a large grey spot on the terminal portion of the inner web. This is not mentioned by Heuglin, who describes all the primaries as having white tips.
I had not the good fortune to see the bird alive ; but the man who shot it told me that he found it alone on a stony and barren hill-side. The stomach was very muscular; and the contents qonsisted entirely of Zizyphus fruits. These facts, and the complete absence of vibrissse at the base of the bill, suffice, I think, to show that Heuglin's view of the affini- ties of this bird are untenable. He considers that it belongs to the Campephagina. Mr. Gray, in his ' Hand-list, even placed it in the Laniida, close to Lanius itself. Bonaparte, the original describer of the genus, assigned it to the Ampe- lidce ; and this position appears more probable than that adopted by Heuglin and Gray, though I cannot help feeling some doubts as to its correctness.
Yours &c.,
W. T. Blanford. Calcutta, May 14th, 1875.
Letters y Announcenients, i>;c. 389
SiRj — The generic name of the Kagu is variously written {Rhinochetvs, Rhynoch(Btus, Khynochetos, kc), the general supposition being that the latter part of the Avord is derived from %atT^, coma. On referring to the Rev. Zool. 1860, p. 439, where the genus was instituted by J. Verreaux and O. des Mui-s, we find the original writing was Rhynochetos. The derivation is not stated, but from the context there can be little doubt that the term was intended to have been compounded from pk, piv6<;, nasus, and o^ero?, canalis, in al- lusion to the channelled nostrils. It should therefore be ortliographically written Rhinochetus, as in the Revised Cat. of Vert, Zool. Soc. London, p. 305, and generally in P. Z. S.
Yours &c.,
P. L. SCLATER. 11 Hanover Square, London. June 1875.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe lias sent us the following extracts from a letter addressed to him by Baron A. von Iliigel, who left England last year on a cruise to Australia and the islands of the Pacific : —
Christcliurch, New Zealand, Feb. lltli, 1875.
On landing at Melbourne, which I did after a very pleasant eighty-seven days' voyage, I at once began to prepare for my expedition to N.W. Australia, and intended leaving for King George^s Sound by the first mail. But I was stopped by a report that got abroad of H.M.S. 'Pearl' going on a cruise to New Guinea. I had a letter to the commander (Good- enough), and I at once wrote to him at Sidney to ask for a berth on board his ship. But he was, unfortunately, away, treating with the " Fijis," and the result was that I had to wait some six w eeks for an answer. In the mean time I em- ployed my time as best I could in Victoria. I obtained some sixty skins during a fortnight's trip to the Dividing Range,
and got some good specimens of iJf em«'a and five nests
At last, however, the answer came, an exceedingly kind letter, but stating, to my no small disappointment, that
390 Letters, Announcements, i^c.
Capt. Goodenough had as yet received no orders, and that he thought it very unlikely that the ' Pearl ' would be sent to New Guinea. Of course it was no use waiting on a chance ; and I was just beginning to think about N.W. Aus- tralia again, when I received a letter from the Rev. Mr. Brown, in which he informed me that he was ordered to take charge of a mission-tri]) to the Pacific and New Guinea, where they were anxious to establish missionaries on New Ireland,New Britain, and the N.E. mainland. He thought that this might suit me as well as the ' Pearl ' expedition, which he had heard I was anxious to join, and that, if this was the case, I should apply to the Sidney Mission Board and make my proposal. Afterwards I met Mr. Brown in Melbourne, and had a long talk with him over the matter. He said that he thought that there would not be the slightest difficulty in the matter, but that 1 should have to wait till their ship ' John Weslc}^ ' had arrived in Sydney from Fiji, as some- body or other was on board who had to be asked in the matter under consideration. Another delay before work; but I thought that I would not give up New Guinea and the Isles without a try, and so I decided to wait a second time. There would be about two months^ time ; so I made up my mind to have a look through New Zealand, and two days after found me on board the ' Albion,' and four more in the South Island. This will explain why my letter is dated from New Zealand. As I am anxious to see as much of the country as I possibly can, I have not been able to devote all my time to collecting ; and taking this into consideration, I have had very fair success. One thing I can boast of already is having been in the midst of the Kakapoes : but I did not accomplish this without some trouble; for the Stringops, unfortunately, is driven yearly further and further up country by the settlers, and now it is only met with in the most lonely movmtain- districts. But I hardly think that any trouble and labour would be too great to see the bird as I saw it, at home, and, what is even better, procure a fine series of specimens. My trip was undertaken from Invercargill, and consisted of forty miles by rail, twenty-four in a coach, and some fifty more
Letters, Announcements, ^c. 391
on horseback, with finally a ten-mile row up and across Lake Te-Anare. This brought me into the midst of the Parrots. The whole ground in the bush, which is covered with thick moss, is honey-combed with their burrows — which emit the strong scent, a sort of greasy essence of Parrot-bouquet. The entrance to each — as in fact is the whole ground — is strewn with their excrement, so as almost to make one be- lieve that a flock of sheep had been grazing there. I had an old Scotch shepherd and his dog with me ; and they both proved very useful. The latter caught the birds very cleverly by the back, and invariably brought them already killed to us with their feathers in perfect order; but some we lost through his killing them in the bush instead of on the open tract of bracken where we were posted, and then feeding on them quietly before Ave could make out his whereabouts. The note of the Stringops is very peculiar, quite unlike that of a bird. I think it is when feeding that they indulge in a series of the most perfect porcine squalls and grunts. It is really as like a young pig as any thing can be. Then their other note, which I think answers more to a call or warning, is a very loud aspirated scream, with a sort of guttural sound mixed in with it, almost impossible to describe. Then, when pursued and caught by the dog, it emits a low harsh sort of croak ; but some were perfectly silent to the last. However, I have not time now to give you a history of these most extraordinary birds, all I will now say is, that my notes hardly agree with Buller's.
The food I found to consist of the bracken {Pteris aquilina) , both frond-tips and roots, but chiefly the former. I examined six ; and all were crammed with it ; but what surprised me much was to find parts of two moderate-sized lizards in the gizzard of one old male. I think this is quite a new fact in the Stringops life-history.
But now to other business. In Invercargill I was very for- tunate in procui'ing good things. I got two specimens of a Gallinago there, which I thought interesting enough to send to you. I packed them up and left them in Capt. Hutton's charge at Dunediu, to be forw'arded by first mail. As you will see, the one is from the Snares (S. of Stewart Isle) ; and after
393 Letters, Announcements, !^'C.
comparing it with specimens from the Chatham Isles in the Otago Museum, I have not the slightest doubt that the two are identical. But the Snipe from the Auckland Isles seems to me
different in size and colouring It struck me at the time
that after all there might be differences between Gallinago auckhiaiVica and G. ims'iUa, which I believe are at present considered synonymous.
But the best bird I have got (and that, I think you will admit, is a good thing) is a Meryus from the Auckland Isles.
I procured a pair of ^Mergansers with a few other skins in Invercargill, from a man who had just returned from a sur- veying trip to the islands. He had not even turned the skin after taking it off the body ; but as soon as I saw the back through the opening, and felt the beak through the skin of the neck, I knew Mdiat I had.
By next mail (that is, as soon as I have unpacked ray boxes in Melbourne) I will send you the exact measurements and descriptions of my birds. I am sorry not to be able to do so now ; but I have had not a moment's time. However, I have compared the Meryus with the original description of Meryus ttustraVis in the ' Voyage of the Astrolabe / from it I judge that either the description is a very poor one, or my two birds must belong to a new species. But what agrees well, and made me first think they were an immature pair of birds, is the lower surface of the body, which, instead of being white, as in M. serrator, is of a dull slaty grey, variegated with white bands (the feathers being edged with white) .
The whole plumage is very dark, approaching black on the back, the crest well formed, and the size, I fancy, considerably smaller than the British Red-breasted jNIerganser {M. serrator) . From the great difference in size and brightness of colouring in bill and feet, I deem them to be male and female ; but in plumage there is little difference. The birds were killed the latter end of November last ; and I procured them on the 27th of the following month. But my luck with Auckland things did not end here ; for I have received a Rail killed on that island by the unfortunate Capt. Musgrave of the ' Grafton.' As soon as I grot the bird I was struck with its resemblance
Letters, Announcements, S^-r. 393
to one of the Rallidfe I was acquainted with . hut for some time could not make out which. At last it struck me that it must he the Australian Rallus brachypus ; and on comparing the Auckland with the Australian bird, I found them to agree very closely, though the colouring seemed different; but as the Canterbury-Museum specimen appears to be very old and faded, it is impossible to judge. It is curious, my falling in with so many things from the Auckland Isles, and especially a " Rail,^'' now that I am just working at them. I shall be able to determine if my Rail is Rallus brachipus or new as soon as I get to Melbourne, there being a good series there. At all events it is the first Rail known to have been procured in the group
Of New-Zealand things I have got a very fair collection — some 300 specimens already. Ocydromiis I have of course gone in for, and have a lot of notes about it. I don't believe in more than three good species — 0. australis (with endless varieties), O. fuscus, and O. earli. The last two are difficult to procure, although I shall doubtless get a series of the latter in the North Island ; but of O. australis one could get a shipload in a very short time. I have got a splendid series, showing every age from embryo to adult, and varieties to perfection.
Now with regard to my plans, my route will be as follows : —
North Island, New Zealand; Sidney [en route to Mel- bourne) ; Melbourne, to pack up things. Leave Sidney in April. The 'John Wesley' touches at Fiji, Rotumah, Samoa (hurrah for Didunculus !), Friendly, and other groups. Then goes to New Ireland and New Britain, and from there to the New-Guinea mainland. She will probably return by New Hebrides &c. The trip is to take not less than six months ; so that I shall have good time for work. Of course I shall engage an assistant to go with me. After New Guinea (or should the expedition come to grief in any way) I am straight oft' to N. Australia, beginning at Nicol Bay ; but I wont forget your two Hawks at King George's Sound en route. After Aus- tralia I think I shall try work in N.E. Borneo, and then go to Japan and work the interior some time ; and then I shall see what is to be done. I do not care to look too far into the
SEK. III. VOL. v. 2 p
394 Letters, Announcements, ^c.
future ; with to-morrow one lias quite enough to do, without troubhng one's head with the thought of weeks, and months, and years.
On tlie 15th I am off, Kivi-hunting at Hokitika ; and I hope I may get a good many Apteryx oweni, if not A. australis.
A. vox HiJGEL.
The Marquis Doria, writing to Mr. Sclater from Genoa (June loth), says that his last letters from L. M. d'Albertis are from Yule Island, near Mously Bay, on the S.E. coast of New Guinea, where he proposes to establish his headquarters. His health was excellent. There can be little doubt there- fore that this energetic naturalist will soon make known to us the hitherto unexplored fauna of this part of Ncav Guinea.
Since our last Number was issued several important works on ornithology have been published. Of these avc hope to give an account in our next Number. Mr. Gould has com- pleted a new part of ' The Birds of Asia.^ Colonel Irby's ' Ornithology of the Straits of Gibraltar ' is finished ; and the first part of the second edition of Layard's ' Birds of South Africa/ announced some time ago, has also reached us. From abroad we have received Dr. Coues's important work on the birds of the north-west, being an account of the ornithology of the region drained by the Missouri river and its tributaries. The last named contains a vast amount of fresh information relating to North-American birds ; but we must defer till October next a more lengthened account of it.
THE IBIS.
THIRD SERIES.
No. XX. OCTOBER 1875.
XXXVI. — On the Birds of the South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. By W. Vincent Legge^ Lieut. R.A.
[Continued from page 290, and concludedo)
60. Drymocataphus fuscicapilltjs, Blyth.
This Babbler is not found in the dry maritime region. I did not meet with it until I reached the Wellaway Korle ; but I may have often passed it over : as it affects only particular localities^ it may well escape observation, though it may be frequent in a district. I found it in some of the jungles near the Kii'inde Ganga and its affluents. Its favourite resorts in the south-west are the damp bamboo jungle and low scrubby woods with which much of that part of the country is covered. Its curious note or whistle, referred to (Ibis, 1874, p. 19), is most frequently uttered in the early morning after rain, its usual voice in the day-time being a pretty little warble, very unlike the whistle, which is often heard in dense jungle, par- ticularly when the bird is disturbed.
61. Pomatorhinus melanurus, Blyth.
I only heard the call of this bird once or twice, in the forest
SER. III. VOL. V, 2 G
396 Lieut. W. V. Lcgge on the Birds of the
along the rivers of the interior. It is common enough in the other subdivision of the south.
62. Criniger ictericus, Strickland.
63. RUBIGULA MELANICTERA (Gm.) .
Both of these Bulbuls occur in the forests along the Kirinde Gauga, in the Wellaway Korle.
64. CiTTOCINCLA MACRURA (Gm.).
Very abundant in the maritime scrubs from Hambantotta up the coastj and numerous likewise in parts of the Wellaway Korle.
65. Thamnobia fulicata (Linn.).
A typical species of the '' north country," and one of the commonest birds along the sea-board; likewise in suitable places in the interior. It replaces to a great extent Copsychus saularis in this district.
66. AcROCEPHALUS STENTORius, Hcmpr. & Ehr. Acrocephalus brunnescens, Jerdon, Birds of India, vol. ii.
p. 154 {vide " Additions to Ceylon Avifauna," Str. Feathers, . vol. i. p. 488).
The occurrence of this migratoiy Warbler at Hambantotta in the month of July is remarkable, and can only lead to the inference that it remained behind as a straggler, as other mi- grants occasionally do. ]\Iy example was a male, with the testes much developed, as if it Avere breeding. I was unable, however, to find the female, although the reed-bed was of small extent ; and I am of opinion that my bird was the sole tenant of the tank where I shot it. It is worthy of remark that my Jaffna example, published loc. cit., and shot in Jan- uary, was in company with another of its species, which I failed to procure, and appeared, from the developed state of the testes, to be breeding. Mr. Hume, in his " Rough Draft of Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds," gives evidence of its breeding in Cashmere in June.
67. Drymoipus iNORNATUs (Sykcs) .
In suitable localities this Warbler occurs, but it is rarer than in the western districts. It is common in grassy fields about
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 397
Colombo^ where I took many of their eggs. There is uo mistaking this species for D. validus or D.jerdoni ; for it is not more than three quarters of the size of these. There is like- wise no mistaking its nest for that of D.jerdoni. My iden- tifications, therefore, quoted by Mr. Holdsworth (P. Z. S. 1872, p. 456), must undoubtedly be taken to refer to this bird ; and I do not see how that gentleman could have over- looked it in the Colombo district. Two low-country ex- amples in my collection, both males, have the wings exactly two inches long ; but an up-country specimen, shot in the Knuckles coflFee-estate district, at 2500 feet elevation, and which was so large that I sent it home for identification, has the wing 2*1.
68. Drymoipus validus, Blyth.
Inhabits the scrubs of the coast-region and suitable loca- lities in the interior. I have no doubt D.jerdoni is especially common; but I did not procure specimens. My D. validus from this part coiTCsponds exactly with specimens from Co- lombo, identified as such by Lord Walden. Mr. Holdsworth is in error concerning my not getting it at Colombo [vide P. Z. S. 1872, p. 457) ; most of my birds from that district were this species^. The bills of four males now before me range between '52 and '57 inch at front.
69. Prinia socialis, Sykes.
I observed this species here and there in jungle-clearings in the Wellaway Korle ; it is nowhere a numerous bird in this island.
70. Prinia hodgsoni, Blyth, " Additions to Ceylon Avi- fauna," Str. Feathers, vol. iii. p. 203.
This little Prinia, a new bird to our list, and one of our most local species, is very numerous in jungle-clearings in the interior and along the Badulla road in the Wellaway Korle.
* Unless measurements are taken, as well as an accurate description, when examiniug the collections of others, it is more than probable that an erroneous judgment will be pronounced a year or so afterwards in writing of such. Mr. Holdsworth took no measurements or description when looking over my Drymoecinse.
2g 2
398 Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Birds of the
It associates in small parties^ consisting of the old birds and their immature broods^ and affects tangled underwood^ and not long grass and rushes, like P. socialis. It is probably confined entirely to this district, which -will account for its having escaped the notice of previous collectors in Ceylon. I'his Prinia, Sturnia albofrontata, Prionochilus vincens, and perhaps Geocichla layai'di are therefore our most local forms.
71. BUDYTES VIRIDIS (Scop.).
This Wagtail, numerous in the season in other parts of Ceylon, exists in very small numbers here, the climate being too dry and the open lands too parched for its habits. I think, at least, its absence from many parts of this district may be thus accounted for, as insect -life is alvrays more rife in herbage exposed to damp than in parched-up wastes.
7'i. CORYDALLA RICHAKDI (Vicill.) ?
I include this species doubtfully, as the large Pipit which I saw in certain places in the coast district, and did not pro- cure, may have been C. striolata.
73. CoRVus cuLMiNATus, Sykcs.
This was the common Crow of the Hambantotta ; and I did not observe C. splendens anywhere in the district. This latter is absent from the south-western region (vide Ibis, 1874, p. 23); but it is the common Crow of Balticaloa, the next town to the north-east of Hambantotta, and situated about the centre of the east coast ; how far it extends south of that town I do not know.
74. Temenuchus pagodarum (Gm.).
This Mynah, an Indo-Ceylonese form, is very numerous in the open districts bordering on the salt lakes or leways. I saw greater numbers there than I have met with anywhere in the north-east of the island.
In the first year the head of this species is brown and wants the occipital crest, the throat and sides of neck are pale fulvous white, and the back and wing-coverts pale brownish grey. Soft parts as in adult.
75. Munia MALACCA, Liuu.
Inhabits the coast districts and some localities in the Wei-
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 399
laway Korle. I found a flock of these Finches breeding with Ploceus baya in a reed-bed to the west of Hambantotta^ in the month of July.
7Q. MuxiA MALABAKiCA (Linn.).
Another bird characteristic of many parts of the north, and which I have never seen on the west coast proper; abundant in the hot scrubby country of the maritime region. I observed it during the N.E. monsoon; but, as a matter of consequence, it would be equally if not more numerous during the S.W. wdnd, the sheltered time of the year in this district.
77. MiRAFRA AFFINIS, Jcrd.
Abundant in this part, which is just the country for it. Mr. Holdsworth has it "common at Aripo'' (P. Z. S. 1872, p. 465).
78. Alauda galgula, Frankl.
Very numerous in the maritime region. I found it breed- ing in July near the leways. Mr. Holdsworth says it was " abundant at Aripo'^ (P. Z. S. 1872, p. 465).
79. Pyrrhulauda grisea (Scop.).
Abundant in both monsoons all along the sea-coast. Lay- ard thought it to be a cool- weather visitant. It is another bird showing the analogies of this region with parts of the north. Mr. Holdsworth (P. Z. S. 1872, p. 465) says it is " confined to the north."
80. Os.motreron bicincta, Jerdon.
81. OSMOTRERON POMPADOURA (Gui.).
82. Carpophaga ^enea (Linn.).
All these three species are abundant diu'ing both monsoons, 0. bicincta along the sea-board in jungles up to twenty miles north of Hambantotta, where it gradually gives place to O. pompadoura, which abounds in the Wellaway Korle, and into the Bootala hills. C. cBnea is extraordinarily numerous all along the Badulla and Hambantotta road, and in the forests along the Wellaway and Kiriude rivers.
400 Lieut. W. V. Leggc on the Birds of the
83. COLUMBA INTERMEDIA, Strickl.
There is a colony of these birds at the Hatagalla rocks, fifteen miles west of Hambantotta. I doubt not that it will be found at other suitable spots between Balticaloa and Kirinde.
84. Calcophaps indica (Linn.).
Plentiful on the forest banks of the rivers in the Wellaway Korle.
85. Pavo CRT status, Linn.
Abounds in the maritime region. The Peacock is almost unknown in the south-west.
86. Gallus stanleyi. Gray.
Abundant both in the interior and in the maritime region.
87. Galloperdix bicalcarata, Forst.
I only once heard this species in the Wellaway Korle in July.
88. TuRNix TAiGORi, Svkes.
In some localities this species occurs, but it is not numerous.
89. Glareola lactea, Temm. "Additions to Ceylon Avi- fauna,^^ Hume, Str. Feathers, vol. i. p. 440.
This species of Pratincole does not seem ever to have been met with heretofore in Ceylon. I discovered it close to Ham- bantotta, frequenting the great sand hills there, and hawking like a Nightjar round the adjacent water-holes at twilight. I also found it on the shores of the leway. At this time (July) nearly all the birds I procured were in the mature dress. The natives informed me that it bred at Hambantotta. Mr. Hume wrote {loc. cit.) on an immature specimen I sent him in Sep- tember 1873.
90. Charadrius fulvus, Gm.
Found in suitable localities during the season.
91. ^GiALiTis GEOFFROYi, Wagler, "Additions to Ceylon Avifauna," Str. Feathers, vol. i. p. 489.
Taking Mr. Holdsworth^s catalogue as a base to work upon, this is another addition to the Ceylonese avifauna (published
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 401
loc. cit.), which I found also at Hambantotta during the south- west monsoon in June and July. They were numerous on the great sand hills near that town, and consorted with small flocks of G. lactea. It is rare on the north-east coast, as in a tour up towards Jaffna, from Trincomalie, I met with but one example, my first, and that published loc. cit. Those met with at Hambantotta, out of season, and which were in winter dress, were probably all young birds, which, like the following species, remain to some extent behind for the first year on the south-east and east coasts.
92. ^GIALITIS MONGOLICA (Pallas) .
Abundant in the season for Waders (N.E. monsoon), and also plentiful in the S.W. monsoon, at which period most of the birds present were immature, or in winter dress, though some few were observed in partial nuptial plumage, the rufous pectoral band being incomplete.
93. tEgialitis cantiana (Lath.).
I have given elsewhere a full account of this Sand-Plover breeding within our limits. In 1872 I observed as early as March several examples with the black frontal band, while in June and July, in the height of the breeding-season, nearly every bird had lost it, the sinciput being greyish, with an oc- casional black-tipped feather.
94. Sarciophorus bilobus (Gm.).
Plentiful at both seasons of the year. I found it breeding near the leways. Up the country, in the Wellaway Korle, Lobivanellus goensis takes its place.
95. Esacus recurvirostris, Cuv.
96. CEdicnemus crepitans, Temm.
Of these two species Esacus is the most numerous along the coast. It is most frequently heard at night, resting quietly during the day on the upper parts of sea-beaches.
97. Strepsilas interpres (Linn.).
I observed immature examples on some of the leways in March 1872. This is one of our rarest Waders.
402 Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Birds of t/ie
98. Rhyncilea bexgalensis, Linn.
Frequeut in suitable localities. I shot a male in July, at which season they may be found occasionally anywhere in the low country. It may not be out of place to mention here that I identified the European Snipe from the Trincomalie district last year, an account of which was published in the J. A. S. B.
99. NUMENIUS ARQUATA (LiuU.).
100. NuMENius PHiEOPUs (Linn.).
Both these Curlews occur in suitable localities along the coast, the latter not so frequently as in the north-east.
101. Tringa subarquata (Giild.).
102. Tringa minuta, Leisler.
103. Tringa submixuta, Midd.
T. minuta is the most abundant of these three Stints, fre- quenting the muddy shores of the leways. Of all, I saw many examples round these lakes during the S.W. monsoon; but none were so plentiful at that season as T. subarquata. I shot a pair one day which were bowing and walking round each other, executing various little manoeuvres typical of this family in the breeding-season ; but they surely, in spite of the ex- ample set them by ^gialitis cantiana, cannot nest within our limits. Females, as far as my examples go to prove, are rather smaller than males. The dimensions of the above- mentioned pair were: — ^ , length 8"6 inches, wing 5'25, bill at front, straight, 1'65; ? , length 7*9, wing 5, bill at front, straight, 1'4; other examples of this sex in my collection are larger than the above. At Hambantotta, during the season in question, they w^ere generally seen in small parties, in which manner I have observed them to associate in the cool season in the north of Ceylon.
104. Totanus glottis (Linn.).
105. Totanus stagnatilis (Bechst.).
106. Totanus calidris (Linn.).
All abundant during the N.E. monsoon round the leways ;
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 403
and both Greenshanks were common also during the S.W. monsoon. I observed no Redshanks at that season.
107. HiMANTOPUs AUTUMNALis (Hasselq.).
Common all the year round at the leways, both east and Avest of Hambantotta.
108. PORPHYRIO POLIOCEPHALUS (Lath.).
This species, which is somewhat local in its distribution, affects some of the tanks of the Kattregama and inland districts.
109. Gallicrex cristata (Lath.).
Found in suitable localities; but the character of the country is too dry for the habits of this bird.
110. Leptoptilu javanicu, Horsf.
111. CicoNiA EPiscoPus, Bodd.
Both these species I observed in July on some of the more inland and secluded tanks.
1 12. Ardea cinereAj Linn.
Found about tanks in the Magam Pattu and Wellaway Korle. It was breeding at a tank near Tissa Maha Rama in March 1872. It is absent from the south-west; and I don^t think it affects the Colombo district, except as an occasional straggler.
113. Ardea purpurea, Linn,
114. Herodias alba (Linn.).
115. Herodias egrettoides, Temm.
116. Herodias garzetta (Bodd.).
117. Nycticorax griseus (Linn.).
These Herons all frequent the inland tanks of this district, and are especially numerous at those near Tissa Maha Rama, in the neighboiu'hood of Kattregama. H. alba spreads west- wards towards Tangalle in equal abundance, and is, in fact, common throughout the island where there are large tracts of swampy land. H. egrettoides is confined, as far as my experience goes, to this district in the south ; for I find it
404 Lieut. W. V. Lcgge on the Birds of the
recorded in my notes on this locality for 187.2. The above species were all breeding near Tissa Maha llama when I was there in March 1872 ; with the exception of N. griseus, they consorted together, having their nests on the same trees; H. alba, however, was breeding, as well, with Tan- talus leucocephalus and Platalea leucorodia.
118. BUTORIDES JAVANICA, Horsf.
119. Ardetta FLAVicoLLis (Lath.).
120. Ardetta SINENSIS (Gmelin).
121. Ardetta cinnamomea (Gmelin).
I met with all these Herons in various localities suited to their habits. I saw but one example of ^. flavicollis, in March 1872, and one or two of A. sinensis at the small tank near Tissa Maha Rama, mentioned below. Butorides javanica was inadvertently omitted from my paper in ' The Ibis ' for 1874, p. 30. It is tolerably common on the banks of the Gindurah, skulking under the bushes at the edge of the water, and is consequently Yery difficult to procure, unless shot from a boat.
122. Anastomus oscitans (Bodd.).
123. Tantalus leucocephalus, Forst.
124. Platalea leucorodia, Linn.
125. Threskiornis melanocephalus (Linn.).
126. Falcinellus igneus (Gm.).
These five species I found breeding near Tissa Maha Rama at a small tank, called Udinila, in March 1872. Emmerson Tennent well describes a visit to one of the great breeding - colonies, which are to be found in the wildest parts of our beautiful forest. No scene could be more interesting to a naturalist, or any lover of nature, than that which I was wit- ness to at this tank in March 1872.
It was just day-dawn as I made my way through long grass, up to my waist, across a dried marsh, and came in sight of a tank, studded with huge and formidably thorned trees. Troops of tall white Herons, gaunt '' Shell-eaters/' awkward
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 405
Pelicans and Ibises lined the branches close to their nests, or stood like vanes on the tops of the forest-trees^ while others, as if they had just awoke, flapped lazily about ; huge Pelicans, on great " platforms of sticks/' kept watch by their young and preened off" the night-dew from their broad backs ; little companies of Spoonbills and Ibises, mindful of hungry fami- lies, filed off" to distant marshes, and disappeared over the tops of the forest-waves, while Cormorants and Darters dashed round and round the tank, as if they were training for a race. From behind a tree hard by I gazed on this splendid sight for a few moments, and hastily jotted down in my note-book the diff'erent species on their respective trees. The sun was getting up, and the birds were rapidly going off" for food ; so it was time to begin work and (cruel monster that I was ! mais que voulez-vous?) carry death into the midst of the happy company. It was not long before I was up to my knees in black mud, while lazy crocodiles, waiting beneath the trees for hapless nestlings, floundered before me into the water. Bang, bang went the old 12-bore; and down came first of all a magnificent Grey Heron. Then what a scene tbere was ! The lonely jungle resounded with bird-cries j Pelicans launched themselves from their nests and, mounting in the air, soared round in circles, accompanied by Herons, Peli- cans and Ibises, while the " Shell-eaters '^ {Anastomus), the pluckiest and most numerous of all, swooped on me from dizzy heights with fearful swiftness and a booming whirr of their large wings ; added to all which was the bang of my gun, mingled with frantic shouts to my coolies to " come on " and get up the thorny trees at once ! approaching which they climbed with considerable hesitation, to my mind at the time, showing a remarkable lack of ornithological interest ! But enough ! such scenes as this are familiar to most readers of ' The Ibis,' and, when once witnessed, are not easily forgotten. I brought away young of several species on this occasion, but did not succeed in rearing any but a Tantalus leucoce- phalus, which lived for some time, growing up a most amusing bird. It ate fish voraciously, squatting down on its tarsi and snapping its huge mandibles with a loud " crake " when hun-
406 Lieut. "W. V. Leg-ge on the Birds of the
gry. It had a great antipathy to dogs and chihlren, and would utter its harsh cries when approached by them. "When taken from the nest, the bill was greenish black, with a light tip ; it underwent a very rapid change with the growth of the bird, becoming yellowish at the tip, the terminal half being dusky greenish, leaving the base blackish green. When it died, somewhat less than six months old, the yellow of the tip was encroaching on the green rapidly ; the iris was hazel, and the feet and tarsi fleshy reddish at this time. The red of the tertials was present from the earliest growth of the feather, and increased with age. Tlie head was not bald, as in the adult, but feathered in a point down to the centre of the forehead ; it was, together with the upper part of the hind neck, neutral brown, the feathers tipped light, gradually paling into grey on the lower neck, interscapular region, scapulars, and back; scapulars and wing-coverts dark on their inner webs and towards the base of the feathers ; lesser wing-coverts and under wing-coverts dark iron-grey, margined lightish (these had been entirely grey a short time previous, the centres first of all becoming dark, the colour spreading over the feathers to the edges); tertials silver-grey, with black shafts and dark bases, the outer webs overcast with rose-colour ; quills and rectrices black, with a strong greenish lustre ; beneath the breast greyish, paling into Avhite on the lower parts ; under and upper tail-coverts white ; under wing-coverts at tlie humerus and ulna-joint tipped with reddish Avhite. In his description of the adult ('Birds of India'), Jerdon omits the broad, black, satin- white margined pectoral band, which is continuous with the same colouring of the under wing- coverts when the wings are extended; this is the most conspicuous part in the bird as it flies overhead. Jerdon also supposes it to be mute — a great mistake, as it is, when angered, a most noisy bird. With regard to its voracity, I may mention that one day my tame bii'd (which was at the time confined in an aviary with a Sea-Eagle, Cwicuma leucogaster) seized an enor- mous rat which I had in my hand as I was getting through the small doorway of the building, and " bolted " it instantly, before I could get through the door to take it from it.
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 407
127. Ph(e\icopterus roseus, Pallas.
Inhabits the leways in great flocks, particularly in the cool season. Moormen are said occasionally to sell young birds at Balticoloa; and I therefore infer that it must breed between that place and Hambantotta.
128. Sarkidiornfs melanonotus, Forst.
129. Anserella coromandelana (Gm.) .
130. Dendrocygna javanica, Horsf.
131. Anas pcecilorhyncha, Penn.
This district is not so rich in Anatinse as I had expected. Dendrocygna was the only form I myself observed; but I learnt of the occurrence of the remaining three species from tolerably trustworthy authority.
132. PoDicEPs PHiLippENSis, Bonn.
I noticed this species on one or two occasions on tanks, but I have never seen it so abundant anywhere as on Co- lombo lake.
133. Sylochelidon caspia (Lath.).
This Tern I observed during my visit in 1872 (March), but I did not notice it in this region during the breeding- season. It is nowhere numerous, as are other Terns. It is frequent about the salt lakes on the north-east coast from October till March, and many exist in that district throughout the year; but I have never once seen a sign of it on the lower half of the west coast at any season.
134. Gelochelidon anglica (Montagu) .
135. Hydrochelidon hybrida, Pallas.
136. Sterna melanogaster, Temm.
137. Sterna pelecanoides. King.
138. Sterna aiedia, Horsf.
139. Sternula sinensis (Gm.).
140. Onychoprion an^sthetus (Scop.).
Full particulars touching S. sinensis* will be found in the * I would observe tliat Mr. Holdsworth is iu error coiicerriing- -S". mi'
408 Lieut, W. V. Legge on the Birds of the
P. Z. S. for the present year. The other species enumerated here, except S. melanog aster, are all abundant during the S.W. monsoon ; I met with them everywhere along the coast in June and July last year ; and, I have no doubt, breeding- stations of all except O. ancesthetus will be found on future exploration of remote spots in the district. S. media was in Avinter dress up to the first week in July ; and specimens killed were adults too ; but as they were all in abraded dress, and as some Steruinse put on the nuptial garment during a very short period, it is quite possible that they may breed here in August '^. Of Sterna melanog aster I only saw isolated ex- amples at either season of the year ; S. pelecanoides w as in breeding-dress, and, I have no doubt, was nesting somewhere in the vicinity of Hambantotta. Since writing on this species in 'The Ibis' (1874, p. 33), I have procured examples near Galle in full breeding-dress, and found the species abundant out at sea in the height of the S.W. monsoon. It appears that when breeding (Mr. Nevill informs me that he has taken its eggs near Amblangodde, tAventy miles north of Galle) it does not affect its w^onted spots along the coast j and I there- fore had overlooked it during that season up to the time of writing {loc.cit.)-\. G. anglica is, with S. media, the most abundant of the Sterninae in this district, and it is found in great numbers about the salt lakes extending up the w hole line of the north-east coast. H. hybrida is the most univer- sally distributed of all our Sterninae, but leaves the west coast during the S.W. monsoon, as far as my experience goes, en- tirely ; and I am therefore of opinion that it breeds on the
nuta not being found in Ceylon (P. Z. S. 1872, p. 481), as I sent home a specimen dated Colombo, 29tli September, 18G9, of the small, black-shafted, dark-qtiilledldttle Tern, which Lord Waldeu identilied as that species. I have recently procured it in the Trincomalie district.
* I was at Hambantotta for two days last August, but I was unable to do any shooting ; I, however, saw several examples along the coast, and numbers off the Bass Rocks, which, as well as I could see, appeared to have the vertex quite black.
t There is much to be said touching the local distribution and breeding of our Terns ; and I hope some day to be able to work out the subject more completely than I have done up to the present time.
South-eastern Subdivision of Southern Ceylon. 409
south-east coast. During my recent visit to Hambantotta, en route for this station, I observed O. ancesthetus in good numbers off the Basses. Specimens I have recently procured were in immature dress ; and I have no doubt all our birds are young.
141. Pelecanus philippensiSj Gmelin.
142. Graculus javanicus, Horsf.
143. Plotus melanogaster, Forst.
These species I found breeding, in March 1872, at Udu- willa tank, near Tissa Maha Rama. The Pelecan is, perhaps, as abundant in this district as anywhere in Ceylon. I have seen a score and a half on some of the leways in one mob.
144. Graculus sinensis, Shaw.
This species is nowhere abundant in Ceylon, as far as I have observed up to the present time. I saw several examples of it in March 1872 at Tissa Maha Rama.
Trincomalie, 4th Jan., 1875.
P.S. I have just received, while finishing this paper, my April copy of ' The Ibis ' (1874) ; it has been running round the world after me, and, coming up from Australia, has at last caught me up here !
Though somewhat late in the day, I feel that it is incum- bent on me to notice and reply to Mr. Holdsworth^s obser- vations on my '^ Birds of the south-western Hill-region,^^ chiefly with the view of correcting a singular error "which he has made touching one of my identifications, but also to point out several erroneous conclusions which he has arrived at concerning the distribution of species.
In the first place, as regards dates and details, my paper did not purpose to be an exhaustive catalogue of species, but merely a running outline, calling attention to their oc- currence in a certain region ; the former would have taken up too much space in ' The Ibis.^
Touching the validity of my view of the south-east as an " Indo-Ceylonese region, I think that has been confirmed in this paper.
410 Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Birds of the
As to the species, Mr. Holdsworth notices : —
CrtRYSOCOLAPTES STRICKLANDI.
Has hitlicrto been erroneously considered a hill-bird ; it is no more so than Brachypternus ceylonus, Avliich I have found all through the northern and western coffee-districts up to 5500 feet. For evidence of C stricklandi in the low country, vide 'Stray Feathers' (vol. i. p. 346, and vol. iii. p. 200). It is resident all round the north-east, east, and south-east coasts in wild country during the N.E. monsoon, when, if it were a visitor to the low country, it ought to be absent from these parts. The specimen Mr. Holdsworth alludes to (p. 123) was shot on the south-east coast in March.
uEmyias sordida.
zosterops ceylonensis.
Shot and observed in July and August in the Kookool Korle and in the Oodogarame forests^ in May, or, in both cases, during the S.W. monsoon, when, if they were not resident, they would have been absent from that region. But, in truth, I may here again remark that the mountains of Southern Ceylon (Ibis, 1874, p. 7) are a distinct zone, sepa- rated from the high central province by a valley of low country, running through from the Ratnapoora district to the plains of the south-east, and that there is probably no inter- change of species between them and the high region of the island ; for the vast forests and deep valleys running out of our district towards the north-east, form an ample abri against the violence of the S.W. monsoon.
Drymocataphus fuscicapillus.
Perhaps I should have used the words '' most commonly dis- tributed " instead of " commonest "; I did not mean to imply that it was the most numerous of birds in the southern pro- vince, and imagined that my description of its habits and of the places I found it in, would have militated against the idea of its being abundant. D. fuscicapillus, though common in a district, will only be found in peculiar localities, such as
* Z. eet/lonensis only.
South-eastern Subdivision of Souther7i Ceylon. 411
dense damp scrub (it invariably affects bamboo jungle in tbe Galle district) ; its note is lieard most in early morning after rain, as I have already observed. I don^t know how Mr. Holdsworth could have overlooked it in the southern province ; for even though his laboiu's were confined to one locality (Akkuresse), which is one of the worst spots in the southern province for its typical forms, I should have thought it could have been found there. I procured it not far from Ak- kuresse. Some specimens in my collection from the south are dated 12th Jan. 1872, 25th April 1873, 19th June 1871, 19th August 1872, 17th Nov. 1871 — giving a sequence of months. It is as plentiful close to Trincomalie as in the south, but, notwithstanding, is difficult to procure, except in the early morning.
PALiEORNIS CALTHROPiE.
Is resident in the southern-province mountains, but is found nowhere near Akkuresse, where Mr. Holdsworth collected. I will venture to say it would not turn up there in a ten years' residence. Between this locality and the mountains proper of the southern province, or even the great subsidiary hill- forests on the banks of the Gindurah, is a tolerably high, worthless (ornithologically speaking) range of hills, containing nothing of interest to the collector. It is a tolerably different region in character from the Morawa Korle, to which Mr. Holdsworth believes it to be analogous. An ascent of 1600 feet, and then a di*op of 200, through a space of seventeen miles over these hills, brings the traveller to the district of Morowaka, which is still wanting in mountain-species ; twelve miles further, through beautiful hills, brings one to the verge of the Morowa Korle ; and the chances are that, after resting your wearied limbs at the Denyia Rest-house, the first bird- sounds you will hear on the following dawn will be the "crake'" of P. calthropce and the metallic cry of Eulabes ptilogenys. P. calthrop<E is not so numerous in the Morowa Korle as in the Lion- King forests of the Kookool Korle, which lies to the north-east of the coffee-estates. I saw greater numbers in this Korle at elevations of about 2000 feet, during the most
SER. III. VOL. V. 2 H
412 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvic Brown on
violent S.W.-monsoon weather in August, than I observed anywhere else in the course of a tour through the whole of the central coffee-estates.
Tringa temmincki.
" Proved to be T. salina when examined in this country."
How Mr. Holdsworth committed this singular error is almost unaccountable to me. At page 29 I spoke of T. tem- mincki ; but reference was made to the northern province, and not to this district. Even, however, if Mr. Holdsworth had not correctly read the text, he must surely have seen my additions to the avifauna of Ceylon, contained in part G, vol. i. ' Stray Feathers,^ in which, at page 491, T. temmincM is cha- racterized, with a series of notes on T. salina and T. minuta, showing that at that time I was well acquainted with all these species. At a previous date in 1872, when not sure of the identification of T. minuta and T. salina respectively, I had sent home a specimen of the latter, procured on the 26th of January of that year ; but why this fact should have pre- cluded the possibility of my obtaining T. temmincJci at a later date, I fail to understand.
For the benefit simply of those who take an interest in the ornithology of Ceylon at home, I may mention that, besides the species mentioned by Mr. Holdsworth, I have lately added to his list (published in ' Stray Feathers ') Erythropus ves- pertinus, Gecinus striolatusf, Acrocephalns stentorius, yEgi- alitis geoffroyi, Tringa temmincki, Glareola lactea, Onycho- prion fuUginosa-\ , Sterna minuta X-
XXXVII. — The Birds of Transylvania. By Charles G. Danford, and John A. Harvie Brown.
[Continued from p. 312, and concluded.]
^149. Fringillac(elebs, L. Szemeti Pinty (Dnng-Ymch) .
Common everywhere, from the low country to the limit of the pine-region. Its note seems to be clearer and shriller than that of the same species in Great Britain.
t Not procured by myself. t Vide supra.
the Birds of Transylvania. 413
150. FriNGILLA MONTIFRINGILLA, L.
Common iu winter in large flocks. According to some authorities, a certain number of these birds remain the whole year, and breed in the higher mountains. Herr Buda Adam says he has seen the young in summer among the mountains at Hatzeg ; and we were told that Herr Hermann, the former curator of the Klausenburg Museum, took many of their eggs at Vlegyasza, near Vajda Hunyad. Herr Csato says they are only to be met with in winter. Herr Otto remarks that it " comes and goes very quickly.^' In the absence of sub- stantial proof to the contrary, we are inclined to consider Herr Csato's account as the more probable.
■^151. Fr,ingilla chloris, L. Zoldike. We did not see many ; but they are common throughout the country in autumn.
^ 152. Fringilla cannabina, L. Kenderike (Hemp- Finch).
Common everywhere. We saw many iu the Gorgeny district.
153. Fringilla rufescens, Vieill. Kovi csiz (Stone- Finch) .
Common in harvest in large flocks, and not unfrequently nesting in bushes among the lower mountains.
*154. Fringilla carduelis, L. Tengelicz. Generally distributed and common,
*155. Fringilla spinus, L. Csiz.
Common among the pines during the breeding-season, and in the plains in winter.
156. Fringilla serinus (L.).
Very rare, but sometimes occurs in autumn and winter. Bieltz mentions that it Avas got by Herr Stetter at Topan- falva. In 1872 Herr Otto wrote that it had once been seen in the Mezoseg ; and Danford, writing from Transylvania under date of October 29th, 1874, says : — " Herr Buda Carl has just come in from a chase after two F. serinus, neither of which he got."
2 H 2
4-11 Messrs. C. G. Dauforcl and J. A. Harvie Brown oti
157. PvRRnuLA RURiciLLA (Pall.). Silvolto ; Pirok; Ha- vasi Pinty (Moimtaiu-Fincli).
Rather common, frequenting the mountain-woods during the breeding-season, and later in the year appearing in the low country in considerable numbers.
Obs. Bieltz says this is the only member of the family which has hitherto been observed in Transylvania; but there is little doubt that Carpodacus erythrinus (Pall.) and P. enu- cleator (L.) do occur, as they have both been found by Herr Petenyi on the adjoining Hungarian frontier, and Graf Lazar says he is sure the former has occurred near Tolgycs.
158. LoxiA cuRViRosTRA (L.). Kevesztorru Mculdr. Common among the pines and firs in many parts of the
country.
^159. CoccoTHRAUSTES VULGARIS (Pall.). MagtUru Mciddr ; Meygyvdgo (Weichsel-biter) .
We met with the Hawfinch pretty frequently in the Gorgeny district among woods and gardens. It does not remain over the winter.
^160. Sturnus vulgaris, L. Sei'egely (A crowd) . Generally common. Migratory.
161. Pastor ROSE us (Linn.). Rozsds Rigo (Ko&j Thrw^) .
This bird is of very uncertain appearance in the country. In 1835 it was very abundant at Hermannstadt. They gene- rally come about June, and are found in company with the Starlings. Herr Otto states that they were very abundant in the Mezoseg in 1868 (A Mezoseg II. &e.), and he ob- served them there on the 30th May and 4th June.
*162. Oriolus galbula, L. Sdrga Rigo (Yellow Thrush) .
Generally common on the outskirts of large woods and in gardens. We found them at Ziih and Gorgeny, and in the oak-woods at Sztjina, near Klausenburg. They come in the beginning of May ; and the old males generally leave in August.
^163. Pyrrhocorax alpinus (Vieill.).
Rare, and only to be met with among the high mountains,
the Birds of Transylvania. 415
where they breed. In September 1872 Danford saw a pair in the glen of Stina de Rnc, near the Retjezat^ at an eleva- tion of about 5000 feet. He was much struck with their tameness, as they came day after day about the hut, showing very little fear. HH. Csato and Buda Adam observed them also at Nuksora, near the same locality.
Obs. Pyrrhocorax graculus (L.). Bieltz says of this spe- cies : — " It is true that the occurrence of this bird in Tran- sylvania has not yet been proved ; but as, according to Za- vadzki, it appears amongst the highest of the Bukovina Car- pathians, it cannot be wanting on our Rodnaer mountains ; for instance, on the Kuh-horn, &c.'' He also alludes to it in his ' Beitrag zur Unterscheidung der rabenartigen Vogel.'
^164. CoRvus MONEDULA, L. Csoka.
We regret that we did not bring home any of these Jack- daws, and are therefore unable to state Avhether or not the Corvus coUaris of Drummond occurred among them or not. Many we observed had extremely light-coloured necks, even as late as the beginning of June, though the whitish shoulders spoken of by Mr. Simpson {cf. Ibis, 1860, p. 385) were not apparent.
^165. CoRvus coRAX, L. Hollo. Common throughout the country.
■^166. CoRvus coRNix, L. Varju.
Common at all times ; but in no country visited by us have we found this bird so very abundant as it is during autumn in Transylvania.
167. Corvus corone, L.
We have not oljserved this species or variety in the country. Bieltz says it occurs, mentioning it as a variety of C. comix. It has also been found at Benczencz. Herr Buda Adam has never met with it near Hatzeg.
■^168. Corvus frugilegus, L. Fekete Varju (Black Crow).
We saw this bird during our present visit only in the Szekler country ; but it is common at Hatzeg and many other places. Bieltz says : — " In some parts of the country it
416 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. llarvic Urown on
bears the name of Teleki varju, from a belief entertained that at one time it did not exist in the country, but was intro- duced by a certain Count Teleki ;" and we have since ascer- tained that it actually w^as introduced by him.
169. Pica rustica (Scop.). Szarka. Common everywhere.
*170. Garrulus GLANDARius (L.) . Mdtyds (Matthias), Very common. There are great numbers among the woods at Hatzeg in autumn.
*171. NuciFRACxA CARYOCATACTES (L.) . Hcivas'i Mdtyds (Mountain- J ay) .
Common among the higher mountain-woods during the earlier part of the year, but descending in autumn. Danford saw many of them in October, busy feeding among the hazel- bushes in the Klopotiva gorge. It sometimes comes low down, and seems to be occasionally migratory, as in 1851 a large flock visited the Tokay vineyards in Hungary {Stetter) .
^173. CoLUMBA PALUMBUs, L. Orves Galamb. Common at some seasons of the year ; but during our sum- mer visit we did not see any.
■^173. CoLUMBA (ENAs, L. Vud Golamb (Wild Pigeon).
Common everywhere among the beech- and oak-woods of the lowlands. It arrives in February, and leaves in autumn.
Ohs. Of Columba livia Bieltz says : — " This species, which is found wild in Southern Europe, especially in those countries bordering on the sea, and which there nests in rocks, breed- ing yearly twice or three times, is the stock of our tame Pigeons. They often become wild again with us, and are met with breeding on towers, in old walls, and fissures of rocks.'^
*174. Columba turtur, L. Gerlicze.
Common in gardens and the bushy woods of the low country, but has also been seen on the Retjezat by HH. Csato and Buda Adam.
175. Lagopus MUTus, Leach, //o F«;rf (Snow-Grouse). Very rare, some authorities denying its existence in the
the Birds of Transylvania. 417
country. Bieltz says it has been found on the highest peaks of the Hatzeg and Arpach mountains; and C. Boner^ in his work on Transylvania (p. 144), says^ "Ptarmigan may be shot on the mountains near Hatzeg/^ Herr Stetter got one on the Retjezat ; and HH. Csato and Buda Adam were informed by a peasant that he had seen some "white Partridges" there.
176. Tetrao urogalluSj L. Vad Kakas (Wild Cock) ; Siket Fajd (Deaf Grouse) .
Tolerably common among the high undisturbed forests in most parts of the country.
177. Tetrao tetrix, L. Nyir fajd (Birch- Grouse).
Not common, but pretty well distributed in the north and north-east. They frequent the open places at the edges of the high mountain-woods_, and, from their habit of running into the impenetrable thickets of creeping pine, arc exceedingly dif- ficult to find. According to Herr Csato [' Birds of the Ret- jezat,' &c.), T. tetrix pairs a fortnight later than T. urogallus.
Obs. The hybrid T. medius sometimes occurs. There is a male in the Hermannstadt collection, and a female in that of Herr Buda Adam.
■^178. BoNASA BETULiNA (Scop.). Csdszdr Maddr (Em- peror-bird) .
Common among the lower mountain-woods, especially where there is an undergrowth of small trees and bushes.
*179. Perdix cinerea, Lath. Fogoly Maddr.
Generally distributed on the low ground, but not numerous. Herr Buda Adam shot one at Urik Burlea, behind the Ret- jezat, at an elevation of about 6000 feet. There was a covey ; and they had, no doubt, been bred there. The bird differs in no way from that frequenting the plains.
Obs. Bieltz says : — " The Stein-Feldhuhn belonging to this part of the world — P. saxatilis (Meyer) — does, according to some accounts, occur in Transylvania ; and I have also been assured from trustworthy sources that we have a second Par- tridge in Transvlvania."
418 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Ilarvie Browu on
*180. Ortygion coturnix (L.). Fiirj. Common everywhere in the lowlands, from April to Sep- tember.
181. Phasianus colchicus, L. Fdczcin.
Formerly tolerably common in the preserves of some of the nobility ; but during the revolution of 1 848 most of them were destroyed. We are not certain that it now exists at all.
^182. Crex pratensis, Bechst. Haris. Common everywhere. Migratory.
183. Crex porzana (L.). Common every where, and migratory.
184. Crex minuta. Pall.
Not uncommon. We probably saw it at Zah and Tohat, The specimens in the museum at Klausenburg were got at Szamosfalva. Not rare at Gyeke {Otto).
185. Crex pygm^a, Naum.
Rare, but has been found in the Strell valley and in various parts of the country.
186. Rallus aquaticus, L.
We did not see it during our visits ; but it is said to be generally common. Herr Csato says it is migratory in the Strell valley.
*187. Gallinula chloropus (L.) . Vizi tyuk. Common everywhere and migatory.
*188. FuLicA ATRA, L. Hoda ; Szdrcsa. Common everywhere, especially in the Mezoseg. It is mi- gratory, arriving in April and leaving in October.
189. Otis tarda, L. Tuzok.
Not uncommon in various parts of the country, but chiefly found near Thorda, Alvincz, and Miihlbach. They also occur in the Strell valley ; and we were told that a small flock was often seen at Zah. They nest in meadows and corn-fields.
190. Otis tetrax, L. Kis Tiizok.
Much rarer than the preceding, but occasionally met with diu'ing its migrations.
the Birds of Transylvania. 419
191. Glareola pratincola (L.).
Rare. It has been killed in May on the Strell, and has also occurred in the neighbourhood of Klausenburg and Her- mannstadt. Hcrr Buda Adam says they come every year, and this year there was a flock of about fort3\
192. CEdicnemus crepitans, Temm. Reznek TUzok (Dwarf Bustard) .
Very rare. It has occurred at Alvincz, also on the Maros and in the Hatzeg valley. Herr Otto records one obtained at Szent Miklos, on September 23rd, 1867. It was struck down by a Sparrow-Hawk.
*193. VaxXellus VULGARIS, Bechst. Libucz ; Bibicz. Common, but not numerous, and not remaining over the winter. We saw a few in the Mezoseg.
194. Squatarola helvetica (L.).
Very rare. It has been got in the Mezoseg ; and Herr Buda Adam shot one on the 24th May, 1864, at Zeykfalva.
195. Charadrius pluvialis, L. Eso Szalonka (Rain- Snipe).
Not uncommon in spring and autumn.
196. Charadrius morinellus, L.
Not uncommon, and has been found breeding by Bieltz, who brought a nest of two young and an addled egg from the Frumoasze mountain, near the Cibensquelle, at an elevation of about 7000 feet. They are also reported to nest near the lake of Zenoga, on the Retjezat. Danford examined the spe- cimens above mentioned in the Museum at Hermannstadt.
197. Charadrius hiaticula, L.
Rare, but occasionally seen during its migrations.
^198. Charadrius cuRONicus, Gm. Kis Joveny-futo (Little Sand-runner); TiJrpe Lilik (Dwarf Plover) .
Common along the stony parts of rivers. We observed it at Bogatj on the Maros, and at Hatzeg.
199. Charadrius cantianus. Lath.
Rare. It is said to have been found breeding in the
420 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. llarvic Brown un
country. Herr Csato says it rarely flics over from tlic plains of the Maros into the valley of the Strell.
200. Strepsilas interpres, L.
Very rare. It lias been shot at Brettye, on the Strell.
201. HjEmatopus ostralegus (L.).
Rare, but is sometimes met with during its spring migra- tions. Herr Buda Elek shot one, and saw others at Russ, in the Strell valley. We were also told by Count Banffy 15ela that he had seen a small flock at Szent Mihaly during May of the present year.
202. Recurvirostra avocetta, L.
Rare. Herr Buda says it has occurred ; and Bieltz men- tions two, one of which was shot at Reussbach, near Her- mannstadt, in 1835, and the other he saw in the market in 1846.
203. HiMANTOPUs autumnalis (Hasselq.) .
Rare. It has been got near Hermanstadt, and occasionally occurs in the Strell valley, more frequently during the spring migration. Herr Otto records a pair from the Mezoseg, of which the female was sufiering severely from a large tapeworm.
204. Phalaropus fulicarius (L.).
Herr Otto records a specimen killed by Graf Kemeny Janos, which was previously recorded by Graf Lazar Kalman, and further states : — " There was also a specimen which had been shot in the Mezoseg, in the Museum at Nagy-Enyed :" this specimen, in common with much of the contents of the mu- seum, was destroyed during the revolution of 1818.
205. ToTANUs canescens (Gm.).
Not rare during autumn on the rivers Szamos, Klopotiva, Strell, &c. It is said to breed in the country.
206. ToTANUS STAGNATILIS, Bcclist.
Not uncommon in spring and autumn among the stones and sandy places on the Strell, Klopotiva, and other streams. Herr Otto affirms that it only occurs during migration ; but our friend Mr. Dresser informs us that Frivaldskv showed
the Birds of Transylvania. 421
him specimens of T. stagnatilis obtained in Transylvania in the breeding-season, and fully believes it to breed there not uncommonly. He further states that he has eggs, taken at Apay, in Hungary, by Frivaldsky ; and Herr Buda Adam has seen the young near the Flatten See, where it is known to breed in the Venetianischer lake.
207. ToTANUs ruscus (L.).
According to Herr Csato and Herr Buda this bird occurs not uncommonly on the Strell and Klopotiva during its mi- grations. A male specimen in the museum at Klausenburg was shot in June on the Szamos.
■^208. ToTANUS CALIDRIS (L.) ,
Not uncommon during its migrations. We saw them in flocks on the lakes of the Mezoseg.
■^209. ToTANUS GLAREOLA (L.) .
Not rare during its migrations. We met with a few spe- icmens at Toliat and Zah in May.
^210. ToTANUS OCHROPUS (L.).
During our visit to Hatzeg, at the end of April, we saw a specimen of this bird at Rea ; and Danford found it very com- mon in the same locality in autumn. Herr Buda Adam and Bieltz agree in saying that it breeds in the country, nest- ing among sand and stones ; but Herr Buda afterwards told Danford that, though he sees the birds the whole summer, he has not actually found the nest, but feels quite sure that they must breed. Considering the abnormal habit of this species during the nesting-season in Pomerania and other northern localities where its eggs have been found, we consider this account scarcely sufficiently authenticated. Mr. W. H. Simpson, however, speaking of this species as an inhabitant of Western Greece (Ibis, 1860, p. 390), says : — '' Some indi- viduals of Totanus ochropus remain so late that their breeding- quarters may be nearer than is generally supposed. We can believe almost any thing of a bird that so far departs from the habits of its congeners as occasionally to lay its eggs in old nests of the tree-building birds. '^
422 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvic Brown on
^211. TOTANUS HYPOLEUCUS (L.).
Common throughout tlic country.
212. LiMOSA ^GOCEPHALA (L.) .
Not common; some years, however, appearing in consi- derable numbers. We saw one which had been killed on the Maros, at Szasz Regen. Herr Csato says several specimens were got on the Strell in May and June. The specimens in the Klausenburg Museum were killed in July at Szamos Falva.
213. LiMOSA LAPPONICA (L.) .
As uncommon as the preceding. Both occur more fre- quently during the spring than in the autumn migration.
*214'. Machetes pugnax (L.) . Bajnok Bibicz (Champion Plover) .
Common in marshy ground during its migration, Danford saw them in the autumn on the Szamos near Klausenburg. They are never found in full breeding-plumage {Buda).
215. Tringa canutus, L.
Not rare on river-sides during its migration.
*216. Tringa subarquata (Giild.) .
Not rare during its spring migration, but less frequent in autumn. A specimen in full breeding-plumage was shot during our stay at Gorgeny, on May 29th. They have also been obtained at Gyeke in May, and occur in small flocks in May and June on the Strell. The above-mentioned speci- men is in the Klausenburg Museum.
217. Tringa minuta, Leisl.
Rare. It occurs more frequently during the autumn mi- gration than in the spring. It has been procured by Herr Csato at Koncza and at Alvincz [Graf Ldzdr).
218. Tringa alpina, L.
Not common, but to be met with during most years, espe- cially in autumn. Herr Buda Adam has shot several at Rea both in spring and autumn.
219. Tringa temmincki, Leisl.
Herr Csato says that it occurs rarely in spring, but more
ttie Birds of Transylvania. 423
frequently, either singly or in little flocks, at the beginning of autumn. He has procured it at Koncza.
■^220. ScoLOPAx GALLiNULA, L, Kis Sdr-szalonku (Little Mud- Snipe).
Common during it migi'ations.
^221. ScoLOPAx GALLiNAGO, L. Sdr Szalonka.
Common during its migrations. Bieltz says that they breed in the country.
Obs. The following is a description of two specimens of the variety S. bre/imi, Kaup, in the collection of Herr Buda Adam, three, all of which agree, having been obtained by him at Kriseny : —
S. brehmi is of exactly the size of and similar in colour to S. gaUinago ; but the tail of the former has a deep double inden- tation, and contains sixteen feathers, some being three times barred and others oftener, and the two central having short projecting terminal spines ; whereas that of the latter, when extended, is of a regular rounded fan-shape, and contains fourteen feathers, each usually with five or more bars. On a reexamination of these specimens, Danford thinks the points of the two central tail-feathers being bare is due to abrasion, but that the indentations cannot be accounted for in the same manner.
Herr Buda Adam says that it has a different flight and a different cry, and that when flushed it always rises silently.
For full description of S. brehmi, see ' Lehrbuch der Natur- geschichte,^ Brehm (p. 623) ; and additional remarks will be found in Salvadori's ' Fauna d' Italia,' " Uccelli'' (p. 228).
222. ScoLOPAX MAJOR, Gm.
Solitary birds are not rarely met with during migration at Hfitzeg, the Strell valley, Gyeke, and other localities.
■^223. ScoLOPAx RusTicoLA, L. Szalonka.
Generally common. They come in March and April, and, remaining but a short time in the low country, proceed to their breeding-places in the mountains. In September they descend, the flight lasting till the beginning of November, a few remaining still later when the weather is very open.
424 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvie Brown on
224. NuMENius ARQUATA (L.) . Mezei Szalonka (Field- Snipe) .
Rather rare, and only found during migration. It occurs at Hatzeg and in the Strell valley. The specimens in the Klausenburg Museum are from Maros Vasarhely.
225. NuMENius TENUiRosTRis, Vicill.
Very rare. Bieltz says that a specimen was shot by Herr Stettcr on the marshy banks of the Maros, near Maros Nemethi.
226. NUMENIUS PHiEOPUS (L.).
Still rarer than the Curlew, but sometimes to be met with in the same localities during migration.
227. Calidris arenaria, L.
Solitary specimens of this bird have been got in various parts of the country.
228. Grus communis, Bechst. Daru.
Sometimes met with during its migrations. Herr Csato says he has seen them both in large and small flocks passing over the Strell valley.
■^229. Ardeacinerea, L. Gem ; Szilrke Gem {Grey Heron) .
Common everywhere, esjDecially in the Mezoseg, where they nest among the tall reeds. The tops of the reeds are broken down so as to form a platform from four to nine feet above the water ; and the nests, which are made almost entirely of broken pieces of reed, are thus strongly supported.
■^230. Ardea purpurea, L. Veres Gem (Red Heron).
Equally abundant with the preceding in the Mezoseg. We found them breeding in the same situations — and if not ac- tually in company with the common Heron, yet generally very close to them. They are said to be scarcer in other parts of the country,
231. Ardea alba, L. Nagy Feher Kocsag.
Only found during migration, there being no record of its having bred in the country. We heard from Herr Buda that there were many in the Hatzeg district this year after we
> the Birds of Transylvania. 425
left. The specimen in the Klausenbui'g Museum was shot at Apahida in November 1867, as recorded by Herr Otto.
232. Ardea garzetta, L. Kis Kocsag (Little Heron).
Rare. It is reported to have nested near Felvincz. We saw a specimen which had been killed this year at Maros, Vasarhely, and received one shot at Hatzeg. Herr Csato says they visit the Strell valley in little flocks in May and June.
^233. ArDETTA MINUTA (L.).
Common among the lakes of the Mezoseg and similar loca- lities. We got several specimens at Zah.
234. BoTAURUs sTELLARis (L.). Nddi Bika (Reed-bull), Not very common. It occurs in the Mezoseg, where we
heard but did not see it. The Strell valley, Hatzeg, &c. are other localities.
235. BuPHuscoMATus (Pall.). S^a/'^a Gm (Yellow Heron) . A migratory species, much commoner in some years than
in others. Little flocks are sometimes met with on the Strell in May and June, and more rarely in autumn.
*236. Nycticoraxgriseus (L.). Ejjeli Koesag ; VakVarju (Blind Crow) .
Not uncommon, and migratory. At Zah we found a large colony, which was chiefly composed of adult birds with a small sprinkling of immature examples. They had not begun to breed when we left in the middle of May. In the Klausen- burg Museum is a specimen with four crest-feathers.
^237. CicoNiA ALBA, Bcclist. Golya.
Common everywhere in the plains and well-watered dis- tricts, especially in the Haromseg. Nearly every village in some districts has its Stork's nest ; and the birds are not al- lowed to be distiu'bed, the popular belief being that they will, if interfered with, set fire to the house.
^238. CicoNiA nigra (L.). Fekete Golya. Not nearly so common as the preceding. We saw a pair on a bit of marshy ground near Szasz Regen, in the Szekler
426 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvic Brown on
country. Hcrr Buda Elck found it breeding in tlie beech- woods at Ponorics. It also nests at Denisus, near Hatseg.
239. Ibis falcinellus (Gmcl.). Ibis.
Solitary birds are not uncommonly met with during the spring migration. We saw one which had been killed last year at Gorgeny ; and another was sent to us from Hatzeg. It also occurs on the Strell and Alt rivers.
■^240. Platalea LEUcoRODiA, L. Kandlos Gem.
Kare^ but occurs during its spring migration. We saw one at T6hat_, flying high and then settling on a field in company with some Herons. Herr Csato has frequently observed it in May and June on the Strell.
241. Cygnus olor (Gmel.). Hattyii.
Small flocks are occasionally met with on lakes and rivers, especially on the Alt and Maros. It has also been obtained on the Strell at Russ by Herr Buda Elek.
242. Cygnus musicus, Bechst.
Still rarer than the preceding. Herr Csato and Herr Buda Adam each hilled one in October 1861 in the Strell valley.
243. Anser FERUs (Gmel.). Fiac? Zwf/ (Wild Goose). Common in large flocks during its migrations.
244. Anser segetum (Gmel.). Fe^esi i/wc? (Growing-grain Goose) .
Not rare during migration, in small flocks. One shot at Apahida is in the Museum at Klausenburg.
245. Anser albifrons (Gmel.).
Very rare, but has, according to Herr Buda Adam, oc- curred in the country.
246. Anser brenta (Pall.).
Very rare, but has occurred in various parts of the country. Obs. Bieltz thinks it probable that A. leucopsis, Bechst., also occurs.
247. Tadorna rutila (Pall.).
One specimen is recorded by Bieltz as having been killed on the Maros bv Herr Stetter.
the Birds of Transylvania. 4:27
248. Tadorna cornuta (Gniel.).
Very rare, and only to be met with during hard winters. Herr Buda Elek shot one in 1840 on the Strell ; and it is men- tioned as having occui'red in the Mezoseg by Herr Otto, on the authority of Baron Kemeny Bela, from whom, how- ever, Herr S tetter received only a description.
249. Spatula clypeata (L.). Kandlos Reese (Spoon- Duck).
Not uncommon during migration at Gyeke and other parts of the Mezoseg, and in the Strell valley.
^250. Anas circia, L. Pergo Recze. Generally distributed and common on lakes and rivers. We saw it at Hatzeg and in the Mezoseg.
*251. Anas crecca, L. Apro Recze (Little Duck). Common everywhere.
*252. Anas strepera, L.
Not rare, especially at Gyeke, where they are said to breed. We got a female at Zah.
■^253. Anas boschas, L. Kdcsoyo-Recze. Common everywhere.
■^254. Anas acuta, L. Nyil-farku Recze (Arrow-tailed Duck).
We saw it in the Mezoseg at Zah ; but it is not considered common.
■^255. Anas penelope, L. Sipos Recze (Whistling Duck) . Not uncommon in winter and during its migrations. We saw it at Zah.
■^256. ERisMATURALEUCocEPHALA(Scop.). KSk-orruRecze (Blue-billed Duck) ; and at Nagy-Czeg, in the Mezoseg, the native sportsmen call it Vadpezsma Recze (Wild Musk-Duck) .
This curious bii'd, which we found in the Mezoseg, is not very common. We met with a flock of nine or ten birds at a small reedy lake near Zah; but, owing to the difiicultv of paddling the wretched squai-e-ended canoes or punts (csdnak), the only substitutes for boats in the country, we
SER. III. VOL. V. 2 I
428 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Ilarvic Brown on
found great difficulty in getting near tlicm, and for some days only succeeded in shooting one male^ and tliat at very long range. A couple of days before our departure, however, we were more fortunate ; the birds were tamer, and let us get a number of long shots, by which we killed three more males and a female. They never attempted to leave the lake, but after a short rapid flight pitched again, generally about the same place. They swam very fast, keeping their stiff Wood- pecker-like tails erect at right angles with the body, and when wounded, though they dived constantly, showed no disposi- tion to escape, like other Ducks, by hiding among the reeds, but on the contrary avoided them. The bill of the male, when newly killed, is of a beautiful pure ultramarine, this colour extending even to the interior of the mouth. It soon fades, being merely connected with a thin, easily moved membrane ; and in twenty -four hours the bill loses its brilliant appearance, turning to a brownish grey. We were too early for their nesting, but were assured that they bred in this district, pro- bably at the lake where we found them. In the Klausenburg Museum are some young birds sent from Gyeke, and also some adults got there by the curator of the Museum, Herr Klir. Writing of this species as observed by him in the Mezoseg (A Mezoseg II. A Mezo-Zah, &c.), Herr Otto says, — "They came in April, went away for a short time, and returned in May ; nested among the thick reeds in the lake at Zah : in the first half of June had fine young (chicks), three of which were taken. '^ He compares the look of the bird, when swimming, to the double-peaked Hungarian saddle. Graf Lazar also procured two unfledged birds in the Tartaria marsh, and a young bird at Benczencz.
Herr Hermann Otto describes the young as follows : — " Beak bluish black, with a swelling at the base. Feet of a similar colour. Plumage brown-black. From the base of the bill, under the eye, and continued over the ear, a white stripe. Chin, with a broad outward curve back under the cheek, white, so that the brown cheek appears bordered un- derneath by this curve, and above by the eye-stripe. Belly dirty white, which colour loses itself in the sides. Under
the Birds of Transylvania. 429
the shoulder a light spot on both sides^ which hardly shines through and in many specimens is wanting. Tail-feathers slit up and spread out like a fan."
257. FULIGULA RUFINA (Pall.).
Rare, but, according to Bieltz, has been shot on several oc- casions in the Mezoseg, and in the neighbourhood of Klausen- burg. Herr Otto saw one pair in the Mezoseg on the 19th April, and two pairs at Zah on the 30th March.
*258, FuLiGULA FERiNA (L.) , Veves Nijak (Red-neck). Rather common on the lakes of the Mezoseg, where Bieltz says they sometimes breed. We saw a few at Zah.
^259. FuLiGULA NYROCA (Guld.) . FeMr-szemu Recze.
Common. We saw them in flocks at Zah in the beginning of May ; and it is not impossible that a few may remain to breed.
260. ruLiGULAMARiLA(L.). Hegyi Recze{M.o\midJm-Yy\ick) . Not rare during migration and in winter.
261. FuLiGULA CRiSTATA (Leach) .
Sometimes occurs, during migration, in considerable numbers.
262. Glaucion clangula (L.). J eg Recze (Ice-Duck). Not rare during winter on the larger lakes and rivers.
263. (Edemia FUscA (L.) . Occasionally appears in winter.
264. Mergus albellus, L. Ejszaki-sark Buvdr (North- Pole Diver).
Much the commonest of the family, and to be met with during winter in large flocks, and abundant in the middle of March.
265. Mergus merganser, L. Muszka Recze (Russian Duck).
Not rare on rivers during the winter months. Herr Csato says it frequents the Strell in small flocks,
2 i2
430 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Ilarvic Brown on
2G6. Mergus serrator, L.
Much rarer than the preceding.
Obs. ''Anas cana." This bird, which in the ' Erdelyi Muz. Egylct Evkonyvei' (vol. i. pt. 2, p. G3) is stated by Count Laziir to be new to Europe, is described in ' Verhandl. und Mittheil. des siebenb.Vereins fiir Naturwissenschaft' (10. Jahr- gang-, p. 244) by the same author as follows : — "As large as A. querquedula, but having a broader head. The head, neck, and upper parts arc of a beautiful grey, like Columba palum- bus ; breast, belly, and undei'parts of wings snow-white. Na- tive comitry India, especially Coromandcl " In the
spring of 1854 the author saw six of these birds at Benczencz, near Broos, one of which he got with great trouble, as they were extremely shy. Since then he has heard of, but not seen them.
This is of course not the well-known Anas cana, Grael., from South Africa ; but the description does not enable us to determine what the single example which seems to have been obtained could be. There is certainly no known species from "' Coromandcl " (or, indeed, anywhere in India) which agrees with the Count's. The so-called " Coromandcl " Teal of many authors, Nettopus coromandelianus (Gmel.), is very un- like the bird described. We can only suggest that the bird may have been A. marmorata.
267. Pelecanus crispus, Bruch. Sziirke Godeny (Grey Pelican) .
Very rare. A male specimen was killed at Batiz, on the Strell, in 1850, by Herr Stetter.
268. Pelecanus onocrotalus, L. Rdzscis Godeny (Rosy Pelican) .
Rare, but has occurred at Hatzeg and at Reps, on the Alt near Hermannstadt, the Maros near Deva, the Kiilkiil near Schassburg, &c. The specimen in the Klausenburg Museum was killed near the town. Boner (in his work, ' Transyl- vania: its Products and its People'), alluding to the periods of migration, says : — " At such times the Swan, the Cormo- rant, and the Pelican have also been seen on the rivers ; and
the Birds of Transylvania. 431
Lieutenant * ^ ^ came home once bringing with him seven of the latter that he had shot/^ Stetter mentions that eleven were killed in one day at Hermannstadt ; and Herr Otto^ tliat fifteen appeared on the Szaraos in June 1864, and remained till the end of the month (Zoological Communi- cations &c. a.).
269. Graculus carbo (L.). Szerecsen G'ddeny (Negro Pe- lican); Hal Farkds (Fish- Wolf j.
Rare, but is sometimes found on the larger rivers in winter. Herr Buda Adam killed one near Russ, on the Strell, in August ; and a young bird was shot near Hatzeg. The spe- cimen in the Klausenburg Museum is from Felvincz. On 24th June, 1867, Herr Otto shot an adult female at Felvincz ; and again, on 24th July of the same year, seven were seen near Klausenburg, and two of them were shot/^
270. Graculus pygm^us (Pall.).
Not very rare. It generally appears in large flocks, and has been met with on the Alt and Strell. On the latter two young birds were killed in December at Brettye.
271. Graculus cristatus (Faber).
Herr Buda Adam says that it has occurred, but is very rare.
272. SuLA bassana (L.).
Bieltz mentions that this bird Avas once observed during winter by Herr Stetter.
273. Sterna fluviatilis (Naum.). Haldsz (The Fisher). Not uncommon on the larger lakes and rivers. It is said
to breed in the country.
274. Sterna anglica (Mont.).
Herr Buda Adam is our authority for the occurrence of this bird.
275. Sterna minuta, L. Kis Haldsz.
Rare. According to Bieltz it arrives in May, breeds in the country, and leaves in August. In the Strell valley it is very uncommon. A specimen was shot at Zcykfalva in June.
432 Messrs. C. G. Danford and J. A. Harvie Brown on
276. Sterna hybrida^ Pall.
Herr Csato says that several specimens were killed out of some small flocks wliich appeared in the Strell valley in June 1863. Herr Buda Adam has also shot it near Hatzeg.
"^277. Sterna leucoptera^ Meisner & Schintz. Not very common. We found them at Zah in company with the next species.
*278. Sterna pissipes^ L. Firi Csdka (Water- Jackdaw) .
Common on the larger lakes and rivers. We saw many at Tohat and Zah. Herr Otto records having seen a flock of about 2000 on the 29th April in the Mezoseg.
279. Larus ridibunduSj L. Neveto Sirdlyf (Laughing Gull).
Not rare in spring. One was killed near Klausenburg during our stay there.
280. Larus minutus. Pall. Kis Sirdly,
Not rare in the lakes of the Mezoseg, where we saw it on various occasions, and shot an immature bird at Tohat in the early part of May. Herr Csato has observed them in the Strell valley during spring, but says they do not occur in autumn. The birds seen in the country are, no doubt, ofl"- shoots from the immense migratory flocks of this species which, as described by Mr. W. H. Simpson (Ibis, 1861, p. 362), frequent the freshwater lakes of the Dobrudscha preparatory to their flight northwards to their breeding- quarters on the great Russian lakes Ladoga and Onega.
281. Larus tridactylus, L.
Rare. It has been observed in late autumn and winter,
282. Larus canus, L.
Rare, but is sometimes met vsdtli in stormy weather, and has been killed on the Alt, near Hermannstadt.
283. Larus argentatus, Gmel.
Very rare. A specimen shot at Dees is in the Klausen- burg Museum.
t Hungarians call all Terns and Gulls "Siraly," from their mournful wailing cry.
the Birds of Transylvania. 433
284. Larus fuscus, L.
Rare, but has been obtained in various localities. There is a specimen in the Klausenburg Museum which was killed at Bethlen on June 19th, 1865; and both this and the two preceding species have been shot in the Strell valley.
285. Larus marinus, L.
Very rare. Herr Buda Adam says that he has seen it at Hatzeg.
286. Stercorarius catarrhactes (L.).
Very rare. Bieltz mentions that a specimen which was killed at Hermannstadt in 1850 is in the collection of the Natural- History Society of that place.
287. Stercorarius parasiticus (L.).
This species is included in a List of Transjdvanian birds in the collection of Graf Lazar.
288. Stercorarius pomatorhinus, Temm.
Solitary specimens occasionally occur in autumn. Bieltz says that there was one in the former College Museum of Nagy Enyed.
289. Thalassidroma pelagica (L.) .
A few specimens have occurred during rough weather. One was killed by Herr Stetter in 1840 on the Maros.
290. COLYMBUS GLACIALIS, L.
A few visit the country every winter.
291. CoLYMBUS ARCTICUS, L.
Commoner than the preceding in winter ; and solitary birds have been seen during summer. Herr Csato says that both the young and adult of this, and the young of the following species, have been killed in autumn in the Strell valley.
292. CoLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS, L.
A few occur in winter and autumn, but they are almost always young bii'ds.
*293. PoDicEPS CRisTATUs (L.). Bubos Vocsok. Very common on the lakes of the Mezoseg. It comes in March, and leaves in October.
434 Mr. E. L. Layard on a new Flycatcher.
294. PODICEPS RUBRICOLLIS (Gm.) .
Rarer than the preceding, and remaining the same time in the country. We probably saw them at Zah.
*295. PODICEPS AURITUS (L.).
We found this bird common in the Mezoseg j but it is re- ported rare in other parts of the country.
296. PODICEPS NIGRICOLLIS (Gm.) .
Said to be rarer than the others, but not of unfrequent oc- currence in various localities.
297. PouiCEPs MINOR (Lath.). Kis Buvar (Little Diver). Not common, but of general distribution. All the fore- going species of this family occur in the valley of the Strell.
XXXVIII. — Description of a new Flycatcher belonging to the Genus Myiagra, and Notes on some other Fijian Birds. By E. L. Layard, Administrator of the Government of the Colony of Fiji.
Myiagra azureocapilla, sp. n.
(^ . General colour above dark sombre blue ; tail and wing-primaries black, the latter externally edged with the blue of the back ; top of the head and cheeks from below the eye rich azure blue ; a black band extends from over the nostrils and passes round the nape of the neck, including the eye in its breadth ; chin, throat, and chest dark rich choco- late-brown, reddest on the chin ; remainder of the underparts bluish white. Length 6" 3'", wing 3" 3"', tail 3", tarsus 10"', bill 9''. Beak orange; legs slate-colour; iris dark horn.
? . General colour above chocolate-brown ; top of head bluish ; cheeks chocolate and white : tail and wing-primaries brownish black ; the latter edged externally with the chocolate of the back ; the former more or less tipped with white, most visible on the under side : chin, throat, and chest as in the male, but not so dark, being almost red. This colour extends down the flanks and tinges the remainder of the underparts, which are white. In the bill the upper mandible is dark horn, the under orange.
Mr. E. E. Layard on a new Fhj catcher. 435
I propose to call this pretty Flycatcher Myiagra azureoca- pilla, from the lengthened azure-coloured feathers on the top of the head. It was first obtained by Mr. Liardet^ in the north of the island Taviuni in this group^ and near the same locality by my son^ Mr. Leopold Layard. The latter informs me that they frequent the forest^ perching on the lower trees. He never found them in the low country, but at an elevation of 600 or 800 feet. This is all covered with forest. They feed on insects, in search of which they were very restless and active. They were sometimes in pairs, at others so- litary.
Lamprolia victoria, F. & H.
Mr. L. Layard, who obtained several specimens of this sin- gular bird, informs me that it creeps about in the lower growth of the thick saplings, and among the pendent thin lianas and vines in the very thick forest in the same locality as the Myiagra azureocapilla. Occasionally they descend to the ground and peck among the fallen leaves. When disturbed they flit among the lianas, at no great height, say 20 feet from the gi'ound. He only saw one upon a tall tree. When chasing each other he heard them utter a sharp shrill twitter ; at other times they were silent. Their food he found to consist entirely of small beetles. Bill and legs black, iris dark horn.
Chryscena victor, Gould.
In the same locality he procured the '' Orange Dove,^^ and found, as I predicted, that the female and young male were green. The latter may be distinguished at any time from the female by the orange tinge on the head and plumage generally, and the deeper orange of the vent and under tail- coverts. Some of the settlers informed him that they had found young birds, fallen from the nest, entirely green. He also shot the full-plumaged orange male in amorous chase after the green female. They were in such a state of fat that he used the cuttings to grease his gun-barrel to keep it from rust.
He mentions seeing numbers of a small species of Parrot,
436 Rev. S. J. Whitmec on Samoan Birds.
of which he uever could obtain a specimen^ flying high over the trees. Once, and once only, he saw them settle on a cocoauut-tree. He says they appeared to be entirely green, and considerably less in size than Lorius soUiarius, a small flock of which he once observed in company, but not mixing, with a flight of the others. This bird is probably unknown. Taviuni is so unlike any other island of the group that I should not be surprised at many new things turning up there. I already know four or five species peculiar to it. The high mountain-forests of Viti Levu will also doubtless furnish some new and interesting species when ransacked.
XXXIX. — List of Samoan Birds, with Notes on their Habits ^c. By the Rev. S. J. Whitmee.
Part I. Land Birds.
1. Strix delicatula, Gould. Samoan name Lulu. Common to all the islands.
2. CoRiPHiLus fringillaceus (Gmel.). Sega = Senga. Very abundant on all the islands during a part of the year.
The natives believe this bird migrates ; but all I have been able to learn on the subject is, that they are seen passing in flocks from the western to the eastern islands. A few may be found all the year round ; but during several months of the cooler season the cocoanut-trees swarm with them. They appear to feed chiefly on the nectar of the cocoanut-flowers ; but when the Erythrina indica, Lamarck (a tree very com- mon near the coast), flowers, about July and August, they may be seen about it in great numbers. Native boys are very expert at snaring the Sega on the cocoanut-trees. I have never heard of the bird breeding in Samoa ; and the na- tives positively affirm that it does not. I have often obtained examples of this Parrakeet in immature plumage ; but they are always nearly full-grown, and as strong on the wing as old birds. The Samoans are very clever at rearing and keep- ing birds ; and they purchase the Fijian Shining Parrakeet {PyjThuIopsis splendens, Peale) at high prices, and keep them
Rev. S. J. Whitmee on Samoan Birds. 437
many years ; but they never succeed in keeping the Cori- ■ philus alive more tlian a few weeks.
3. EuDYNAMis TAiTiENSis (Sparrm.), Aleva.
This Cuckoo is, apparently, less abundant in Samoa than it is in many of the Polynesian islands. It is difficult to ob- tain here. I have never seen a living example, and have not succeeded in obtaining its eggs, or in learning any thing about them from natives. The bird is chiefly known to the Sa- moans as an example of arrant cowardice, owing to the fact that, when seen, it is almost always chased by a number of Jaos {Ptilotis carunculata) , from which it tries to escape in the most precipitate manner. I scarcely ever hear the name of the Aleva mentioned by a native without some such remark as this : " The big bu'd that is chased by the little Jao ! "
4. Halcyon pealii, Finsch & Hartl. Tiotala.
Found on Tutuila only. I know nothing of its habits, ex- cept that it is a very noisy bird, somewhat resembling in that respect the Laughing Elingfisher {Dacelo gigantea, Lath.) of Austraha.
5. Halcyon recurvirostris, Lafr. Tiotala.
Found on Upolu and Savaii. Very common. A noisy bird, with a loud saw-sharpening kind of note, but less noisy than its Tutuila congener. It forms its nest by pecking a hole in the nest of the Termes arborum. It ajjpears to lay only two eggs.
6. CoLLOCALiA SPODIOPYGIA, Pcalc. P(^ape' a = Pehapeha. This Cave-Swallow is found all over the islands, but is not
often seen except in certain localities. On the 25th November last I visited a cave where it was plentiful. I found a num- ber of nests, all built entirely of moss. Every recent nest had one young bii'd in it. In no instance could I find an unhatched egg. The young were mostly unfledged. From the number in the same stage of growth, and the absence of eggs, I fancy these Swallows must breed very uniformly as to time. As I found one young bird in every nest, I conclude that they lay only one egg.
438 Rev. S. J. Whitmec on Samoan Birds.
7. MyzoMELA NiGRivENTiiiSj Pcalc. Tolui-ulu. Common near the coast on all the islands. I have not seen
it far inland. It frequents the trees about the villages. On several occasions one has come inside my house ; but when it enters a house, I believe it is to take refuge from the pugi- listic Ftilotls carunculata, which may frequently be seen chasing it. The male is one of our most showy birds. I have never yet succeeded in obtaining its nest and eggs.
8. Ptilotis carunculata (Gmel.). Jao.
One of our most common birds. Most abundant near the coast and about dwellings. It is a very lively bird, and a desperate fighter. It chases birds of any size. I have men- tioned the Eudynamis and the Myzomela as being chased by it. I once had a Cacatua galerita which was greatly tor- mented by this bird. I have also obtained living examples of the Sturnoides atrifusca (a very powerful and bold bird) and the Ptilonopus fasciatus, which had been driven by the Ptilotis until they sought refuge in a house, or were so much distressed as to be easily caught in the bush. It takes great delight in tantalizing cats, as I have often observed to my amusement. Although a honey-sucker, it by no means feeds exclusively on nectar. I see it every day searching the orange-trees and the shrubs in my grounds for caterpillars, spiders, &c., and have seen it eat very large caterpillars. The nest of this bird is pretty weU represented in Hartlaub and Finsch's work (pi. i. fig. 1) ; but the egg (pi. i. fig. 2) is incor- rectly coloured : the ground should have a deeper red tinge, and the spots should be much more sparsely distributed.
9. Leptornis sAMOENsis, Hombr. Md'oma'o=Mahoniaho. Found throughout the islands, but rarely seen near the
coast. I know nothing of its nesting. There is a good deal of superstition in the native mind connected with this bird. It has a peculiar wailing kind of cry, which may, under the influence of superstition and fear, be interpreted into language. When travelling in the bush with natives, they have frequently said it was going to rain, because the Ma'oma'o was crying. For my part, I always think the appearance of rain-clouds
Rev. S. J. Wliitmee on Samoan Birds. 439
calls their attention to the note of the bird ; for it appears to me to make as much noise in fine weather as in wet. More than once have I known the note of the bird to be interpreted into a prediction of some calamity^ or into an oracular de- liverance.
10. Petrceca pusilla. Peale. Tolai and Tolai-fatu. This little bird is very common in all parts of the islands,
I have more frequently seen it and Bhipidura nebulosa in the mountains than any other bird ; and it is abundant on the coast. It has a note more nearly approaching to a song than most of our birds.
11. Merula vanicorensis^ Quoy. Tutumalili. Common in the bush. There is no living object in Samoa
which gives me so much of ho7ne feeling as this bird. It flies low before one for short distances_, with the peculiar Black- bird notCj exactly as its congener does along the English hedgerows. The only thing lacking is the English Black- bird's song. Its nest is very similar to that of the English Blackbird, except that it is rather smaller, to suit the smaller size of the bird ; and, unless my memory fails me since my birds'-nesting days, the eggs of the two might almost be interchanged without the error being detected, except that the Samoan e^^ is perhaps the smaller of the two. The figure of the Merula' s egg in Finsch and Hartlaub's work is very incorrect.
12. Rhipidura nebulosa, Peale. Se'u = Sehu.
This hird is very frequently met with in the bush. It always amuses me by its self-important fussy manner as, with tail widely expanded, like a fan, and wings partially expanded and drooping, it hops from branch to branch of the bushes. It is constantly on the move, flies short distances, and seems to delight in keeping company with travellers. It utters a short twittering note at short intervals. This and the pretty little Petrceca pusilla often afi'ord me much amusement when riding alone in the bush. The nest is a very thin structure built of grass. An egg is figured in Hartlaub and Finsch's ' Birds of Central Polynesia ' (pi. i. fig. 6).
440 Rev. S. J. Whitmee on Samoan Birds.
13. Myiagra albiventris, Peale. I have not found a Sa- moan name for this.
Only occasionally seen in the bush. As far as my own ob- servation goes, I think it is rare. I have exhibited the bird to a number of natives, and none know any name for it. Some even say they have never observed it before. I have noticed it stationed on a branch in the peculiar watchful atti- tude of the Flycatchers, and darting after any passing insect. I have never procured its nest or eggs.
14. Pachycephala icteroides, Peale. Vasavasa. Common. This bird approaches nearest to a song-bird of
any in Samoa. In fact it has a very pretty note, which is sustained for a length of time. I was once asked by a gentle- man if I had lost a Canary, because he had observed a yellow song-bird on the trees of his garden. While we were talking of it the bird returned, and I recognized the Vasavasa. I have heard other people remark how like its note is to that of a rather poor-singing Canary. I have long wished to try and keep it as a cage-bird, but have never succeeded in procuring young from the nest, or an uninjured adult bird.
15. Lalage terat (Bodd.). Miti, Miti-sina, and Miti-tai. This is very common about the villages — I think, the most
common bird we have. It may be constantly seen hopping about the ground and picking up grubs &c.
16. Aplonis brevirostris, Peale. Miti-uli and Miti-vao.
This bird, as one of its Samoan names indicates, is con- fined to the bush, Miti-vao meaning Bush-Miti. The native names of animals often have some meaning in reference to their appearance or habits. I know nothing of the habits of this bird, except that it appears to lay only two eggs.
17. Sturnoides atrifusca, Peale. Fuia.
A very common and exceedingly bold bird. It levies heavy contributions on all our fruit-trees. We can scarcely keep any fruit on the trees to ripen (except oranges) without having it injured by the Fuia. It comes close to the house, and even commits its depredations before our eyes. The yellow Guava
Rev. S. J. Whitmee on Samoan Birds. 441
{Psidium guaiava) has spread in some parts of the islands and become a pest ; and to the Sturnoides atrifusca I attribute the chief blame. It is exceedingly fond of this fruity and distri- butes the seeds in its excrement in all parts of the bush. The Fuia's note is not unlike that of the common Starling [Stur- nus vulgaris), but is louder, and heard chiefly early in the morning. Eggs pale blue.
18. Erythrura cyanovirens, Peale. Segasegdmau'u. This bird is not uncommon, but is often difiicult to find.
It evidently migrates from place to place, according to the time of flowering of certain trees. It is seldom to be seen near the coast, except when the Erythrina indica is in flower ; but at that time (July and August) it may be seen in flocks feasting, Avith the Coriphilus fringillaceus , upon the nectar produced in its showy red flowers. In May of last year I noticed a great number about a clump of ironwood trees [Casuarina equisetifolia) then in flower.
19. LoBiospizA NOTABiLis, Hart, et Finsch. Sega-vao (?) =^Senga-vao.
I think this bird is uncommon. I have seldom seen it. The natives have brought me dead examples. They usually confound it with the preceding species {Erythrura cyanovi- rens) ; but some distinguish it, and apply to it the name given above — Sega-vao. Once I saw it in the Savaii mountains, and I have also procured it on Upolu"^.
20. Ptilonopus PEROusii, Peale. Manu-md [nxiile) , Manu- lua (female).
This beautiful bird is not often seen ; but it is not uncom- mon. It frequents certain trees, and may be always found if one knows its habit. Its principal habitat is the indigenous banyan {Ficus prolixa) , which grows very high ; and one has to watch carefully in order to see the birds, although the tree may be full of them. This Ptilonopus is considered by the
* [In a letter addressed to the Zoological Society, Dr. Ilartlaub states that he and Dr. Finsch had come to the conclusion that this supposed species is probably the young of Amhlyura cyanovirens {Erythrura cyano- virens). See P. Z. S. 1875, p. 269.— Ed.]
442 liev. S, J. Whitmee on Samoan Birds.
natives to be a delicate bird and difficult to keep alive for any length of time in confinement. The male and female are very diflferent in plumage ; and I feel fully convinced that it is the female of this species which is known as P. apicalis, Bp. The natives have also regarded it as a distinct species, and call it Mdnu-lua.
21. Ptilonopus fasciatus, Peale. Manu-tagi.
This is very common all over the islands. P. perousii, I consider to be decidedly gregarious, but this species not so. In fact it seems unable to keep the peace in company with other birds, whether of its own or other species. It is easily tamed and is hardy. The natives keep a great many tame ones. These they formerly used very extensively as decoys ; but since the general use of firearms they are rarely so used. For decoying wild birds a trained bird was placed in a large cage, with a rather long narrow neck, open at the top. The body of the cage was made to bulge considerably at the lower part. When taken into the bush the cry of the caged bird soon attracted a wild one. This settled on the rim of the cage^s open neck, whence it soon descended into the cage and commenced fighting. The birdcatcher, concealed near, then easily secured it, as it could not fly up the narrow neck which it had no difficulty in darting down. This cage bids fair to give us an example of the " survival " of an object after its primary use has been superseded, which is so common, and is so instructive to the ethnologist. I notice that Samoans continue to make their cages in this way at the present time without any intention of putting them to the old use, or without even thinking why that particular form was first adopted.
22. CoLUMBA viTiENSis, Quoy. Fiaui.
This Pigeon is found on Upolu and Savaii; I have also seen it on the small islands in the straits (Manono and Apo- lima) . It is only occasionally seen. The natives do not seek it as an article of food, the flesh being very inferior to the Carpophaga pacifica. I feel quite convinced that C. casta- neicejis of Peale is not a good species, but that it ought to
Rev. S. J. Whitmee (m Samoan Birds. 443
be regarded as a synonym of C. vitiensis. This opinion, however, is based on negative evidence alone. I have seen a good many birds which were all referable to C. vitiensis ; one of Mr. Godeflfroy's collectors, who has obtained many birds on Upolu, tells me he has never found C. castaneiceps ; and the natives only know the one species. I believe no one since Peale has found birds referable to his species ; but on this point my information may be deficient. The only descrip- tion of the bird accessible to me is that given by Finsch and Hartlaub ; and from this I am inclined to think Peale^s species was founded on an individual peculiarity, or on immature examples. I intend to give further attention to the subject, and to compare a number of examples.
23. Carpophaga pacifica (Gmel.). Lupe.
This fine Pigeon is exceedingly abundant in all the islands. During the season a good shot will bag two or three dozen in a few hours. They are highly prized both by natives and foreign residents as an article of food ; and when in greatest perfection they are so fat that they often burst in falling from the high trees on which the natives shoot them. They furnish a not altogether despicable substitute for game. When travelling in the islands I have known as many as sixty served by a village to my boat's crew for their dinner. The Lupe migrates from place to place, according to the fruiting of certain trees. The natives know where to find it by the fmit which is in season. At the present time (April) it feeds on the fruit of the Maota {Dysoxylon, sp.) and Mosooi {Cananga odorata, J. Hook.), and it is found only where these trees are plentiful. When it is in best condition it feeds on the fruit of the Tavai {Rhus taitense, var. tartense, Guil.). This tree is plentiful within a short distance of the coast all over the islands, and it fruits very abundantly ; hence the Lupe is easily obtained at the time of its fruiting. There are many other trees upon the fruit of which it feeds, among them the nutmegs [Myristica, sp.) and the Faradaya powelli, Seem. The fruit of the latter is known as the Mamd-lupe, which means " the Pigeon's mouthful."
SER. III. VOL. V. 2 k
441 Rev. S. J. Whitmcc on Samoan Birds.
Many Samoans believe the Carpophaf/a migrates beyond the Samoan group during the rainy season, while others main- tain that it remains here the year through, but is at that time scattered in the mountains. There is something to be said in favour of both views. It is seen to migrate in flocks between the Samoan islands. This is well observed on the small islands of Manono and Apolima, which lie between Savaii and Upolu. On their way across the straits they stay a few days on these small islands. They are also seen to pass from the eastern end of Upolu to Tutuila. These observed migrations, as far I can learn, are all from Avest to east. As these Pigeons are known to pass from island to island when the distance is (in two instances) about forty and sixty miles respectively, of course they may go further. But, on the other hand, it is certain that some are always to be found, in almost any part of the bush, during the period when they are supposed to be away at other islands. Hence many natives maintain that the comparative scarcity in any one part is owing to their wide distribution about the islands, and to the fact that they are not, at this season, gregarious. I know, as a matter of personal observation, that Pigeons are frequently to be met with during the rainy season, and that they are then solitary. It is also certain that some, at least, breed in Samoa. Eggs are found at the time when the birds are in best condition (July to September) ; and from about August and September young Pigeons are shot. Eggs and young in the nest are very seldom taken; but this is owing to the habits of the natives, who say, " What is the use of birds^ eggs ? " and never look for them. The Samoans are also the worst tree-climbers I have ever met with. With the single' exception of the cocoa-nut palm, they seldom can be induced to climb a tree. All I have met with who have seen the egg and young of the Lupe, maintain that it never has more than one egg at a time.
The migration of this Pigeon at definite times in search of food (whether it goes to and fro between this and distant groups or not) appears to me to throw light on the general subject of bird-migration, which has lately engaged the at- tention of some naturalists in Europe.
Rev. S. J. Whitmee on Samoan Birds. 445
Before the introduction and general use of firearms in the islands. Pigeon-catching used to be a matter of great impor- tance in Samoa. The population of whole villages would go into the bush with decoy-birds, and spend weeks together in the occupation. During this time they lived in bush-huts, and subsisted almost entirely upon the Pigeons caught. This mode has been completely superseded by the use of the gun ; but tame Pigeons, such as were then used as decoys, are still kept by many of the people, and they are still taught to fly in a circle at the length of the string by which they are tethered. These tame Pigeons are great pets, and almost always take their food from the mouths of their owners. The Samoans imitate very cleverly the coo of this Pigeon, and generally find out where they are, when out shooting, by coo- ing so naturally that the birds answer them.
24. Phleckenas stairi, Gray. Tu-tautifa, male; Tu-aimeu, female.
The male and female of this bird have always been regarded by the natives of these islands as distinct species ; hence they, like the male and female of the Ptilonopus perousii, have been known by distinct names. From an examination of living birds I was of opinion that they were male and female of one species. I have only examined two dead examples ; but a collector in my neighbourhood has examined several of both kinds, and his observation confirms my opinion: the dark purple-breasted birds all prove males, and the paler uniform- coloui'ed birds all prove females. Additional proof is just now afibrded by a pair in confinement : these have paired, and the hen is now sitting on two eggs ; the cock is very attentive to his mate, keeping at a safe distance from her nest two examples of Ptilonopus fasciatus, which occupy the same cage. I forwarded a li^dng example of the female to Sydney last year, to be sent to the Zoological Society^s gardens. At that time I thought it was the female of this species, but was not certain. I have recently sent a skin to the Rev. Canon Tristram. If the differences between the male and female have not been made known, perhaps one of these may serve
2 K 2
446 Rev. S. J. Whitmcc on Samoan Birds.
for description. The bird is widely distributed in the group, but is not very frequently met with.
25. DiDUNCULUs sTRiGiRosTRis, Jard. Manu-mea.
1 have recently contributed some notes on this bird to the 'Proceedings^ of the Zoolocical Society {vide P. Z. S. 1874, p. 183).
26. Hallus PECTORALis, Less. Ve'a=Veha.
Very common, especially near the coast and about the plan- tations of the natives.
27. Ortygometra quadristrigata, Horsf. Vat.
I have never seen a living example of this bird, and have had great difficulty in procuring a single dead one. This is not because the bird is scarce, but because it hides so closely in sedges and reeds in swamps and by streams that the natives have a difficulty in getting a shot at it. I have often heard its cry, and I believe it is found about water in all parts of the islands.
28. PoRPHYRio iNDicus, Horsf. (? P. vitiensis, Peale) . Manu-alii.
Common all over the islands. I am strongly inclined to think that our Samoan Porphyria ought to bear the specific name of vitiensis instead of indicus. This bird seems easily to accommodate itself to vaiying conditions. It is hardy in captivity, and will feed upon any thing which comes in its way — vegetables, cooked or raw, cockroaches, rats, and lizards ; and I have known one recently to attack and eat a wounded Strepsilas interpres. This is in the possession of a collector in my neighbourhood, who, having shot and wounded the Strepsilas, placed it in the cage with the Porphyria, which attacked it immediately. The PorpJiyrio is not only found about swamps and lakes, but is common in the bush far away from water. It frequents the taro plantations, and in some parts feeds largely on that vegetable.
29. Pareudiastes pacificus, Hart, et Finsch. Puna'e=- Punahe.
I have not learned any thing more of the habits of this
Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi. 417
bird since the date of my notes on it already communicated to the Zoological Society {vide P. Z. S. 1874, pp. 184, GOG).
The following, which are included among Samoan birds by Hartlaub and Finscli, are omitted in the foregoing list because I have no certain personal knowledge of them. Some, I think, I may yet obtain ; others, I think, are incorrectly attributed to Samoa ; and others are doubtful species : —
1. Myzomela jugularis, Peale; 2. Tartare longiros- TRis (Gmel.) ; 3. Myiagra castaneiventris, Verr. ; 4. Pa-
CIIYCEPHALA FLAVIFRONS, Pcalc j 5. P. ALBIFRONS, Pcalc ; 6.
Amadina optata, P. & H. ; 7. Ptilonopus apicalis, Bp. ; 8, CoLUMBA CASTANEicEPS, Pcalc ; 9. Megapodius stairii. Gray ; 10. Ortygometra tabuensis, Gmel.
Of these, Ptilonopus apicalis, Columba castaneiceps, and Megapodius stairii may be safely regarded as synonyms of P. perousii, C. vitiensis, and M. pritchardi, Gray, respec- tively. The type oiM. stairii was, I believe, sent from Samoa, but was brought here from the island of Nina-fou, where M. pritchardi exists. If I am correct in this, then the former name has the right of precedence. I also believe that Peale^s Pachycephala flavifrons is not distinct from his P. icteroides. The Samoan name which he gives for the former, " Vassi- vassi," does not exist in the dialect ; but it is evidently an in- correct form of " Vasa-vasa,^' the name of P. icteroides. I doubt whether Tartare longirostris is correctly attributed to this group. The other five species I hope still to find. I believe I lately saw Myiagra castaneiventris in the bush. When I obtain further information, I hope to continue my list, and to include shore- and sea-birds.
Upolu, April 2nd, 1875.
XL. — On the Contents of a second Box of Birds from Hako- dadi, in Northern Japan. By R. Swinhoe.
I SHOULD like to record in the forthcoming number of ' The Ibis ' that I have just received a second box of birds from Mr. Thomas Blakiston of Hakodadi, N. Japan, together with a
448 Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi.
letter of notes on the ornithology of that locality. Any species now received for the first time I record with num- bers following consecutively those of my paper in ' The Ibis ' for April 1874. The last number therein given was 68.
69. Falco subbuteo^ L.
Blakiston notes the length of fresh birds : — Sept. ? ($ , length llf inches, wing 10| ; and Sept. ^ , length Vl\, wing 10^. He says, '^ an August male differs in having unspotted chestnut thighs, and more slate-colour on back; and seems to agree with F. rufipes of Yarrell." This will probably be F. amurensis, Radde. Blakiston also has the skins of what he takes to be Accipiter nisus. One has five bars on the tail-feathers, except outer ones, which have six ; and one has four bars, and seven bars on the outer ones. He has seen a specimen of Bubo maximus killed. He has sent a male Hen-Harrier and two small Owls. The Harrier has some dark lines on the sides of its body ; but Mr. R. B. Sharpe considers it of the European type, and not of the American j so I add it as
70. Circus cyaneus, L.
71. Scops stictonotus, Sharpe, Cat. B. ii. p. 54, t. iii. f. 1. A September female. Blakiston has two other females,
shot in the same month, and says that they all agree with his Canton specimens. The bird sent agrees with mine from China. Mr. Sharpe considers my larger Owl, mentioned in ' The Ibis' 1874, p. 434, to be the true S.japonicus, T. & S.
72. Scops SEMiTORQUES (T. & S.).
The male bird received seems very small. Blakiston gives the length when fresh -killed as 8|, wing 6|. He writes that he has also a male of Otus brachyotus, procured at Hakodadi, ■which agrees with his Canton specimen. He has also got one skin of Caprimulgus jotaka.
73. CuiETURA CAUDACUTA (Lath.).
Two males, one of September, the other of August, and a female of August. Blakiston gives their measurements at 7g to 8, and that of their wings from 7| to 8j.
Chelidon blakistoni. No. 3 of former list.
Two males and one female sent this time, all procured in
Mr. R. S^^inllOC on Birds from Hakodadi. 449
April. Blakistou's measurements — length 5 to 5j, wing 4 to 4^. Two of these are dingy on the underparts, especially on the breast
74. Ceryle guttata, Vigors [lugubris, T. & S.).
A male of January, Blakiston gives length 15^, wing 7^. This is w4iiter in plumage than ordinary. I have a female from Ningpo, and I cannot distinguish between specimens of C. lugubris and C. guttata.
75. LOCUSTELLA LANCEOLATA, Tcmm.
A female of this bird, shot in August at Hakodadi, has come to hand.
7Q. RUTICILLA AUROREA (Pall.).
A female of this has also come.
77. Anthus japonicus, Temm. & Sclileg. ; Bp, Consp. Av. p. 248.
Blakiston has sent a pair of Pipits, with the note that they measure in length from 6| to 6f , and their wing from 3j to 3^ — which are decidedly of this species^ and prove its validity and distinctness from either A. aquaticus or A. cervinus. From the Museum of St, Petersburg I received in exchange an Amoor specimen marked A.japonicus, which turned out to be no other than true A. aquaticus. This misled me ; and when latterly at Ningpo I came across similar birds, I was under the impression 1 had found the Japanese species in China. On bringing them to England I learnt that they were nothing but ordinary A. aquaticus. I wrote to Leyden, and asked what A. japonicus really was, and begged for a specimen. I was told in reply that it was simply the winter plumage of A. cervinus. And to think that after all it should turn out a good species ! It bears a strong resemblance to certain specimens of A. aquaticus, but it may be at once recognized by the clear round black spots on its breast. Even Mr. Dresser acknowledges its distinctness as a species.
78. CiNCLUs pallasi, Temm.
A pair of this Dipper have come. The specimens are not
450 Mr. R. Swiulioc on Birds from Hukodadi.
distinguishable from Chinese examples. Blakiston gives the length 7i to 8|, wing 3^ to 4i.
79. Lanius superciliosus, L.
Mr. Blakiston sends a male of this under the head of L. hucephalus, noting that it seems larger. He gives the size of that S2)ecics : — $ , length 7%, wing 3| ; ? , length 7\, wing 3i. He writes of this last, " identified in 1862." From a reference to ' The Ibis ' for that year, I imagine that both his sexes must be in immature or female plumage, as he only had a female when he wrote his paper " on the Ornithology of Northern Japan '* (p. 317). This idea of mine seems to be confirmed by the fact of his sending an adult male of
80. Lanius Bucephalus, T. & S.
Sent as a specimen of L. superciliosus. The size of this is given as, length 7|, wing 3^. This is the first male individual of this species that I have seen.
81. Garrulus brandti, Eversm.
A pair of these have come to hand with this note of mea- surement— length 12j to 13|, wing 6f to 7^.
82. Leucosticte brunneinucha (Brandt). A pair.
83. LoxiA albiventris, Swinh. P. Z. S. 1870, p. 437.
A pair of Crossbills with white bellies, just like the North- Chinese bird. Blakiston gives as measurements from the flesh, 6| to 6j X 5 J to 5f, and adds, " I have one more specimen, 6| X 5|, ^ , October. The bill is stouter than in the example I send you, but there are no other remarkable difierences.^^
84. EuspizA variabilis, T. & S.
One specimen has come, with the note : — " Two just alike, October cJ, 5| x 3.^^ This is the first I have seen of this species, extraordinary for its whole-coloured outer rectrix. Blakiston reports having a May specimen of Emberiza perso- nata with a black face. This peculiarity is, I believe, the origin of the name — just as E. melanops, Blyth, is a synonym for the allied E. spodocephala, Pall., of Eastern Asia and China.
Mr. R. Swinhoc on Birds from Hakodadi. 451
85. EUSPIZIA AUREOLA (Pall.).
" One specimen only. Compared with Chinese example " [Blakiston) . He sends a distinct form of Reed-Bunting with Bullfinch-like bill for a second of his Schcenicola yessoensis (Ibis, 1874, p. 161) . The specimen is a male in winter plumage, and looks much like a diminutive specimen of S.jjyrrhuloides of Europe. I have never met this form in China ; and it is desirable to get the spring and adult plumage before descri- bing it. It bears to S. pallasi the same relation that ;S^. pyr- rhuloides does to the home Reed-Bunting; but S. pallasi has not yet occurred in N. Japan.
Blakiston asks if Whitely was right in his identification of E. sulphurata, as it has not occun'cd to him. Mr. Whitely, of Woolwich, says he is sure his son was. I can only say it is a common Avinter visitant to Amoy, in China.
Plectrophanes nivalis (L.) .
" Still only one specimen " {Blakiston) . None sent.
86. Dryocopus martius (L.).
A male and female sent. "Female specimen sent has scarlet on nape only " [Blakiston).
87. Gecinus canus (L.).
Two males sent, with small bills, but not otherwise different. " Is there any chance of there being another species here " {Blakiston) ? The G. awokera (T. & S.) will in all probability occur there also, as in places in Europe both G, viridis and G. canus are found together.
88. PiCUS MAJOR (L.).
A female sent. " Identified in 1862" [Blakiston).
89. Picus LEUcoNOTus, L. [uralensis).
A male sent. " Identified in 1862" [Blakiston).
90. Picus KisuKi, T. & S.
" Identified in 1868 " [Blakiston) . A male sent.
91. CucuLus cANORiNUs, Cab.
A male sent of this Eastern Cuckoo, the same as we get as a summer visitant in China.
452 Mr. R. Swinhoc on Birds from Hakodadi.
92. ViNAGO SIEBOLDI, T. &S.
" Saw this bird several times this last autumn when on the S.E. coast of Yezo — and had one skin; but unfortunately the Crows carried it off when drying outside the house in the sun'^ {Blakiston) .
93. Phasianus veksicolor, T. & S.
A male and female sent. " S, 31i to 32^ x 9 to 9| ; ? , 23 1 to 24 J X 8 to 8 J. Have a male which has fragment of white collar on neck " {Blakiston) .
94. COTURNIX JAPONICA^ T. & S.
Two males, identical with Chefoo specimens (Ibis, 1875, p. 126).
95. Squatarola helvetica (L.).
I can see no difference between Japanese, Chinese, and home specimens.
96. Charadrius virginicus.
With a C. fulvus ? of May, with the belly partly moulted black, a male marked July, with dark bars on sides of belly only, and a female of September, with uumoulted underparts, of apparently C virginicus have come to hand. Blakiston writes, '' I think I have two species. ^^ The latter skins have certainly smaller golden spots on the upper parts, shorter wings, and longer toes ; but the two so-called species require close comparison for discrimination, and I should think that individuals in life must often be puzzled to know whether the " stranger '' bird be a " brother or a cousin.^^
Blakiston adds, while sending three more specimens of jEgialitis placida, G. R. Gray, " I have four other speci- mens, 81 to 8|x5i to 6."
97. ^gialitis cantiana.
One in winter plumage, like our winter visitant in China.
98. -^GIALITIS DUBIA (Scop.).
"Only one specimen, $, 6|x4|. Seems to agree with Chinese examples of ^. philippensis " {Blakiston) .
Blakiston mentions another species that he has, with a " chestnut forehead, back of neck, and breast ; dark feet ; no collar. One specimen, full plumage, one female, 7f x ^\."
Mr. R. Swiiihoe on Birds from Hakodadi. 453
What this species is puzzles me ! It appears allied to jE. bu cincta (Gould) and jE. ruficapilla (Gm.), both from Aus- tralia, but seemingly distinct.
HcBmatopus osculans, Swinh. P. Z. S. 1871, p. 405.
Blakiston remarks, '^Only one male, 17 x 10|. Bill from forehead 3j. White commences on third quill, only three tail-coverts tipped with black."
Totanus glareola, L.
"Identified by you by specimen in 1873" {Blakiston). A skin of this species received. He adds that he has only two specimens of
99. Totanus ochropus, L.
They were identified by me in 1862. He now sends spring and autumn examples of T. incanus.
100. Totanus glottis, L.
A female of October from S. Yezo. Measurements given, " 13i X 7."
101. Totanus fuscus, L.
A male of October from S, Yezo, " 12 x 6^."" He also sends spring and autumn examples of Tringoides hypoleucus, which I can match from my China series.
102. LiMOSA UROPYGIALIS, Gould.
One of this species has arrived with the note, " Patched rimip, males 14| to 15| x 7| to 8f, bill 3 to 3f ; one female 16| X 81, bill 4."
103. LiMOSA BREviPES, G. R. Gray.
Also one of this, with the note, '' White-rumped, only two specimens, males, 14i to 14f x 7| to 8|."
A spring and an autumn specimen of Gallinago australis, showing that the latter is more rufous on the dark parts. This appears to be due to some seasonal change in the species.
He has also a spring specimen and an autumn one of this common Snipe, and writes, " all darker in autumn." Their spring bird is our Gallinago scolopacina in ordinary dress, with white underparts ; but the autumn bird is considerably
454 Mr. R. Swiuhoc on Birds from Hakodadi.
baiTed and marked with shades of brown on the sides of the underparts. This form of plumage I thought I knew in G. scolopacina. I had frequently met with it in China in au- tumn, but more or less occasionally in other months. I turned up a specimen of both forms, shot near Pckin, in September. I thought it might be G. major, Steph. (Schlcg. Mus. d. Pays-Bas, ii. p. 7) ; but that is " Tres-reconnaissable aux trois paires extenies des rectrices blanches, avec environ 3 barres foncees a la partie basale des barbes externes.^* I carefully examined the tails of my two Pekin specimens, and found them resembling one another, of 14 rectrices each, of the ordinary form ; and the under wing showed less white than usual, but not so little as the Japanese. The latter is cer- tainly distinct from ours, and not the same bird in the dark- sided plumage, which I find some of my G. stenura and G, megala have affected. I fortunately possess a G. wilsoni from Canada ; and this tallies completely with Blakiston^s speci- men, except that it is a little larger in all its measurements. The rectrices of both are similar and narrower than ordinary ; but otherwise the form of the Common Snipe, even to the spatulate expansion towards the tip of bill, is retained through- out. I would note them under a consecutive number,
104. Gallinago wilsoni, Temm.
A female procured at Hakodadi in September. Distin- guishable from G. scolopacina, which it resembles in form, by its axillaries being barred uniformly with black and white.
'' Macrorhamjjhus {^), one specimen, Oct., ?, Il|x5yf, bill 2|. Legs and feet olive ; bill darker olive, and dark horn-colour near the tip ; outer toe webbed to first joint ; up- per mandible resting in lower till near the tip, and one tenth longer. Long scapulars like Sandpiper's. Centre of back white. White shafts to outer quill-feathers. Killed in com- pany with Golden Plover.^' The above description shows Blakiston's bird to be rather the American bii'd than our allied M. semipalmatus, Jerdon. No specimen has come forward.
105. Calidris arenaria (L.). One skin of this cosmopolitan bird.
Mr. R. Swiulioc on Birds from Hakodadi. 455
106. LOBIPES IIYPERBOREUS (L.).
One of this Phalarope, with the note " I only have two,"
107. Tringa ACUMINATA (Horsf.). One skin.
108. Tringa cinclus, L.
Three of these ; one with a partly black belly, and other- wise in part summer plumage.
Note, ^' Tringa ? Something like 1512 " (under that
number T. acuminata was sent), " longer bill, smaller feet ; only one specimen." This may be T. maculata, Vieill.
109. Tringa albescens, Temm.
A spring and an autumn specimen ; the former with rufous under neck and part summer dress.
110. Tringa damacensis (Horsf.). Two autumn specimens of this species.
Eurynorhynclms injgmcEus.
Blakiston reports one specimen of this killed in Septem- ber, and gives an unmistakable figure of its bill.
111. Ibis nipon, T.&S.
A fuU-gi'own immature grey specimen of this species has come, with the note, "Adult male, April, 30xl7|; adult female, April, 31 x 15|."
112. BOTAURUS STELLARIS (L.) .
A female of this Bittern, shot in May, with the note, '' 28y X 12| (length perhaps doubtful) ; female shot in June, 22 x 11." He adds, " I have $ and ? of the Little Bittern you spoke of with spotted female." My Ardetta eurhythma (Ibis, 1873, p. 73).
He sends adult and immature of Porzana erythrothorax , T. & S. (51 of my former list, Ibis, 1874, p. 163), and speaks of two more — one that he takes to be Baillon's Crake, and the other with " brown-and-white-spotted throat and breast." which likely enough will turn out to be my new P. exquisita (Ibis, 1875, p. 135).
456 Mr. R. Swinhoc on Birds from Hakodadi.
113. PoDicEPs PiiiLippENSis (Bonn.).
One of this shot in South YezO; with note on labcl^ '^ 9|
Podiceps cornutus, Gmcl.
One of these in winter plumage, and a P. nigricollis in summer plumage, marked " ^ , April.^^ This last I received before, and recorded in my first list, No. 53.
Colymbus septentrionalis, L.
" Only one specimen, with red throat, C arcticus (?) with black throat ; and only one specimen of Meryus albellus."
114. Mergus serrator (L.). A female sent.
115. Mergus castor (L.). A male and a female.
116. Cygnus musicus, Bechst.
A skin of this is sent, with note, " adult male, 55 x 22\."
117. Anser segetum, L.
Two skins received, with the note, " These two specimens killed out of the same flock ; others measure up to 35 x 20j, and bill up to 2| along edges." This settles the question of the variability of this Goose, and confirms what I ascer- tained of my own experience in my late residence at Ningpo, China.
118. Anser brachyrhynchus.
A specimen sent marked " ? , October," with the note, " One specimen, 27| x 16j, bill 2 ; did not see this when fresh, but bill and feet appear to have been flesh- coloiu* ; otherwise is a perfectly small edition of the last." I have never pro- cured this species in China.
119. Anser albifrons, Gmel.
A male of April, with note, " Two specimens only, both ^ , in April, 27| to 28| x 16i to 16^"
" Anser erythropus (?).
" A female, October, 21 1 x 14|, bill 1^ ; otherwise a small edition of the last." No specimens sent.
Mr. R. Swinhoc on Birds from Hahodadi. 467
120. Spatula clypeata (L.). A young male sent.
121. MaRECA PENELOPE (L.).
A female sent.
122. Aix galericulata (L.). A female sent.
123. ffioEMIA fusca (L.).
An adult and an immature bird sent^ with the note^ " I send two specimens from Hakodadi, measuring 20^ to 21 x 10^ to 11. I also send my Yangze specimen, shot at Chinkiang in February, (5^, 20x IQi.'' This last turns out to be (E. velvetina, Cass., the American form of the present species, and not (E. americana, allied to (E. nigra, as I stated before (P. Z. S. 1871, p. 419).
" I am pretty certain we have (Edemia nigra. I saw num- bers of Scoters along the S.E. coast last autumn, in which I could detect no white at all. They keep up an incessant low whistling noise." I suspect, however, that it will turn out to be the American allied form of (E. nigra, as I have this last from Kamtschatka.
124. FULIX MARILA (L.).
Two specimens sent.
125. FuLix MARiLoiDEs (Vigors) .
One specimen of this sent, agreeing with specimens pro- cured by me at Ningpo, which I sent some home alive to the Zoological Society^s Gardens (see P. Z, S. 1873, pp. 411, 412), with the note, "Have only two specimens, the other being a ^ not in full plumage, 16f x 7\."
" Have still only one red-breasted Diving Duck. It may be F. baeri, Radde ; but the bill is more even in width all along than Fulix."
" Larus tridactylus (?) .
" Only one specimen, ? , 16| x 12i, October, black-footed '' {Blakiston) . I have not procured this bird on the coast of China.
458 Lord Walclcn on Birds from Burma.
12G. Uria carbo (Pall.).
An immature bird of this sent. I have an adult from Karatschatka, presented to me by Dr. V. Schrcnk, of St. Petersburg. Blakiston writes, ''One other specimen, darker."
BracJnjrhamphus kittlitzi, Brandt.
. The specimen now sent is a female, and like the one which I received before, and noted in my former list under " No. 68. Guillemot. Uria, sp." (p. 1G6) . From the " Birds,'' by S. F. Baird, in the 'American Railway Survey Report' (p. 917), I make out the Hakodadi birds to belong to this species. They certainly are not B. marmoratus, Avhich I have seen in Mr. Dresser's collection, and from the Woolwich Museum, pro- cured at San Francisco, and shown me by Mr. Whitely. Blak- iston writes with his last specimen, " I think, like the speci- men I sent you before ; (J , 12 x 5| ; and ? , lOJ to 11^ x 5^ to 5| ; all in April and May."
XLI. — Notes on Birds from Burma. By Arthur, Viscount Walden, F.R.S.
In a supplementary number of the ' Journal ' of the Asiatic Society of Bengal will be found a list of the birds of Burma, compiled by the late Mr. Blyth. Since it was written three gentlemen have very materially increased our knowledge of the species of birds which inhabit that part of Asia. Upper Pegu has been most zealously and successfully investigated by Mr. Oates ; and the results of that gentleman's discoveries, and also those of Captain Feilden, have been made known by Mr. Hume (Str. Feath. iii. pp. 1-194) in a paper containing numerous most useful and interesting field-notes by those gentlemen. Large collections have been made at many points in the northern half of Tenasserim by Mr. Davison, a bare list of the birds obtained having been published by Mr. Hume [op. cit. ii. pp. 467-484). In the province of Tonghoo, and in the country of the Karens, Lieutenant Wardlaw Ramsay, after working the vicinity of Rangoon, has, for some time past, been vigorously collecting. Several new species have
Lord Waldeii on Birds from Burma. 459
been discovered by him ; and many sjiccies not known to pos- sess so extended a range have, through his exertions, been added to the Burman avifauna. The researches of all the gentlemen I have named enabled me to considerably extend the list of Burman species as left by Mr. Blyth, and to raise the number of actually known species to about 660. Since the last sheet of this revised list was in the hands of the printers, another large collection, made in the Tonghoo and Karen hills by Lieutenant W. Ramsay, has reached me, con- taining some more species new to Burma. Upon these I desire to offer a few remarks.
In the Karen hills Lieutenant W. Ramsay had already dis- covered a number of Himalayan forms, such as Batracho- stomus hodgsoni, two species of the genus Niltava, Neornis assimilis, a new species of Actinura, Sibia picaoides, Cutia nipalensis, a species of Lioptila, several species of Liothrix and affined genera, also of Stachyrhis, Orthotomus coronatics, two species of Paradoxornis, and Saraglossa sp'iloptera. He has also discovered the following species : —
Macropygia leptogrammica (Temm.) = M. tusalia (Hodg- son) . One example was obtained on the Karen hills at 4000 feet elevation ; another on the Tonghoo mountains at 3500 feet. These and Himalayan individuals (^J) are certainly not separable from the Javan ( ^ ) form. With Javau female birds I have not been able to institute a comparison. Pro- fessor Schlegel seems, on the other hand, not to have had Himalayan females to compare with Javan (Mus. des P.-Bas, Columba, p. 108).
DucuLA GRisEicAPiLLA, uobis, Auu. & M, N. PL (4) vol. xvi. p. 228 (Sept. 1, lb75), is a species distinct from, though nearly allied to, Z>. insigais and D. badia, discovered on the Karen hills at an elevation of from 4000 to 4200 feet. The distinctive character of the Tenasserim bird was mentioned by Mr. Blyth (J. A. S. B. xxviii. p. 416) ; but he does not appear to have ever named the species.
Arborophila brunneipjsctus (Blyth). Several examples of this Wood-Partridge have been recently obtained by Lieu-
SER. III. VOL. V. 2 L
460 Lord AValdcn on Jiirds frcni Evriiia.
tenant W. Ramsay in the Karen lulls at 4000 feet elevation. It has also been foinid by that gentleman and by Mr. Qatcs in the Tonghoo hills. An interesting note relating to it by the latter naturalist will be fouiid in 'Stray Feathers' (iii. p. 174). In some examples the feathers on the upper part of the breast are crossed by two conspieuous narrow black bands, or by one broad one. In others the breast-plumage appears of a uniform taw ny rufous ; but when the feathers are pushed aside, many of them will be found to be broadly marked with dark brown.
Gampsorhynchus liUfULUs. Adult males of this species, obtained by Lieutenant W. Ramsay on the Tonghoo hills, in no respect differ from Darjeeling birds and others from the Garo hills &c. But some female examples he obtained in the Karen hills exhibit a mixture of brown and white feathers on the nape, suggesting apparently a state of transition from the young to the adult plumage. One of these has also a narrow rufous collar, which separates the white throat from the tawny breast-plumage. In another this collar is merely indicated at the sides of the neck, the white gular plumage being continuous with that of the breast, which is white. On examples in this state of plumage G. torquatus, Hume (Str. Feath. ii. p. 446), appears to have been founded.
PsARisoMUS DALHousi^. On two examples of this Broad- bill, obtained by Mr. Oates near Thayet Myo, Mr. Hume has based a new title, P. assimilis (Str. Feath. iii. p. 53). The characters relied on are trifling differences of extent and of shade in the colour of some of the head- and neck-markings. Lieutenant VV. Ramsay procured many examples of the bird in Tonghoo and the Karen hills. The greatest care has been taken by him in the preparation of the skins, which are ex- cellent specimens of skilful taxidermy. Several of these ex- amples are absolutely identical with others from Nipaul, Dar- jeeling, North Cachar, Assam, &c. The broad yellow band edged with silvery white is most conspicuous in a Karen in- dividual. A Nipaul bird has the patch behind the eye of the same hue as another from the Karen hills. And in a bird
Lord WaldeD on Birds from Burma. 461
from Asalu the white pearly band separates the whole of the golden-yellow throat from the green breast.
The markings and shades of colour vary considerably in this handsome Broad-bill. In some the broad yellow band on the sides of the neck is interrupted on the nape by a patch of blue ; in others this patch of blue has a yellow patch above it. When the patch behind the eye is not pure yellow, but greenish or bluish yellow, the yellow plumes of the chin, and of the lores, and those which form the narrow frontal band, are generally more or less tinged with green. In the young bird the whole throat and the space before the eye is light green. The crown is dark green, uniform with the back, while those markings which eventually become golden, are sketched-in in pale yellow. No blue, excepting on the quills, and a tinge on the middle rectrices, is developed ; nor is there a trace of silvery white. On the whole we may safely relegate P. assimilis to the limbo of unnecessary synonyms.
Calgrnis affinis. Another title, Calornis irwini, Hume (Str. Feath. i. p. 481), falls within the same category of use- less synonyms. Mr. Hume asks (/. c.),Was C. affinis described from Malacca? It was described (J. A. S. B. xv. p. 37) as a species distinct from the Malaccan C. cantor =C. insidiator, and was stated to inhabit Tipperah, Arakan, Tenassarim (?), and the Nicobars. Islv. Bly th, who did not admit the distinct- ness of the Nicobar Calornis, recently, with the Andaman en- titled C. tytleri, Hume [1. c), added that locality to those of Tipperah and Arakan. Tenasserim he noted with doubt, because Mr. Barbe had informed him that the Tenasserim species was the same as the Malaccan [torn. cit. p. 375, note). Notwithstanding, the Tip})erah bird has again received a title from Mr. Hume.
Alcedo beavani.
Alcedo rufigastra, Walden, Ann. N. H. (4) xii. p. 487.
Alcedo heavani, Walden, op. cit. (4) xiv. p. 158.
A single example of this Kingfisher was obtained by Lieu- tenant W. Ramsay at Tonghoo. Probably it is the species catalogued by Mr. Bly th in his list under the title of A. asia-
2l2
462 Lord Walden o?i Birds from Burma.
tica ; for tliere is no trustworthy evidence in favour of Javan A.memnffiinff,IloTsf., = A. asiatica, Swains.^ occurring north of the Malaccan peninsula. Since Captain Beavan first ob- tained A. beavani in Maunl)hoom^ it has been found in the Andamaus_, in Tenasserim, in the Bhootan Doars, the Raj- mahal liills^ in Tipperah, in Cuttack, and in Siam.
Ou a former occasion (Ann. N. H. (4) x. p. 61) I ventured to assert that certain Javan birds reappeared in Burma, some penetrating so far as Nipaul, although they were not known to inhabit Malacca or Sumatra. The want of an authentic record of all the Malaccan and Sumatran birds prevents me from advancing this assertion as a demonstrated fact. Nor am I able to state at what part or parts of the Malaccan pen- insula these Javan forms severally reappear. But in order that the assertion may be tested by others more familiar with Indian and Indo-Malayan birds, the subjoined lists have been prepared of the principal Javan genera and Javan species which, while occurring in Burma, and in some instances in regions to the west or east of that country, are not known to me as inhabitants of either Malacca or Sumatra.
Even should these lists stand the test of a rigid scrutiny, they are not offered as part of the basis of any zoo-geogra- phical theory, but are merely intended as a small contribu- tion to our knowledge of distribution. The j)resence or ab- sence of certain Sumatran or Malaccan birds in Burma pre- sent equally perplexing phenomena ; while, again, some Javan species are common to Java, Malacca, and Burma.
List of Javan genera not known to occur in Malacca and Sumatra, but found in Burma : —
Brachypteryx. Dendrophila.
Analcipus. Sturuopasior.
Cochoa. Crypsirhiaa.
Myiophonus. Pavo. Bhringa.
To these may perhaps be added
Zootheru. Ftcrythrius. AUotrius.
Lord Waldeu on Birds from Banna. 463
List of Javaii species not kuown to occur in Malacca or in Sumatra, but found in Burma : —
Butastur liventer. Harpactes orescius.
Dendrotypes anulis. Crypsirhina varians.
Henicurus leschenaulti {fide Hume).
Dendrophila frontalis.
Timelia bengalensis (representative form).
Megalurus palustris. Bhringa remifer.
Hyloterpe grisola.
Biichanga intermedia (representative form) .
Buchanga atra (representative form) .
Macropygia leptogrammica. Pavo muticus.
Besides the many Himalayan forms already noted, which Lieutenant W. Ramsay bad enabled me to add to the list of Burman birds, are several wbicb have hitherto been ranked as peculiarly belonging to China or else Siam. Such, for in- stance, are Gecinus erythropygius, Mthopyga dabrii, Pycno- notus atricapillus , Acridotheres siamefisis, and Parus com- mixtus.
The word Burma cannot, however, in any sense be used to express a well-defined zoological province or subprovince. In Mr. Blyth's list it is employed for all those regions which formerly constituted the Burman empire, three of which, within the last fifty years, have been ceded to Great Britain (namely, Arakan, Tenasserim, and Pegu). It is bordered by countries possessing ornithological features more or less pe- culiar ; and where the Burman territory comes in contact with any one of these countries, it is, as might be supposed, more or less peopled by their characteristic forms. But the pre- sence of peculiar Javan forms, unknown in Malacca or Su- matra, if it be a fact, is a marked characteristic, which can- not be accounted for by contact of present boundaries.
464 Mr. P. L. Sclater un the Species of Chlorochrysa.
XLII. — Remarks on the Species of the Tanagrine Genus Chlo- rochrysa. By P. L. ScLATEK, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S.
(Plate X.)
The beautiful Tanagers of the genus Chlorochrysa are associ- ated with some of my earliest ornithological experiences. In the latter part of the year 1850, Mr. Edward Wilson, who was at that time purchasing birds in large numbers for pre- sentation by his brother, Mr. Thomas B. Wilson, to the Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, placed in my hands examples of two species of this form. One of these I quickly recognized as the Callospiza calUparia of Tsehudi ; the other I was preparing to describe as new, when I found that I had been just anticipated by Prince Bonaparte, who had characterized it shortly in the ' Comptes Rendus ' as Calliste phcenicotis, and had at the same time named the other species Calliste bourcieri. When Prince Bonaparte discovered that he had committed an error in passing over Tschudi's description of the former of these two species, he endeavoured, with characteristic ingenuity, to pre- serve the use of his own specific term by proposing to convert Tschudi^s previously given name, " calliparaa," into a genus. This, however, as 1 pointed out in 1851^, could not be per- mitted, as he had already invented and published the generic name Chlorochrysa for the same two birds. This generic name I adopted in an article published in the ' Contributions to Ornithology^ for 1851, and gave full particulars of what was then known of the two species of the genus, accompanied by accurate figures of both species from Mrs. Hugh Strick- land^s accomplished pencil.
Little more has been added to our knowledge of these two interesting birds since that period. A few skins of them have been received, chiefly from collectors in Ecuador. The only addition made to the ranks of the genus has been the single species discovered in the U. S. of Columbia by Mr. Salmon, which I described last year as C. nitidissima.
* Coutr. Orn. 1851, p. 93.
Mr. P. L. Sclater on the Species of Chlorochrysa. 465
The three species may be diagnosed as follows : —
a. gula nigra: ventre viridi, medialiter cserulescente . ... 1. calliparia.
b. gula viridi : ventre concolori 2. phanicutis,
c. gula flava : ventre cjerulescente, medialiter nigro .... 3. nitidissima.
1. Chlorochrysa calliparia.
Callospiza calUparaea, Tsch. in Wiegm. Arch. 184;4, p. 202^ et Faun. Per. p. 202.
CaUiste caUiparaa, Bp. Consp. p. 235.
Calliste bourcieri, Bp. Compt. Rend, xxxii. p. 76.
Calliparcea bourcieri, Bp. Rev. Zool. 1851, p. 129, et Note s. 1. Tang. p. 3.
Chlorochrysa calliparaa, Sclater, Contr. Orn. 1851, p. 99, pi. 73. fig. 1 ; P. Z. S. 1855, p. 158, 1856, p. 266, 1858, p. 74 ; Syn. Av. Tanagr. p. 92 ; et Cat. A. B. p. 61 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. Av. Am. p. 18 ; Tacz. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 515.
Aglaia chapoul, Parz. MS. Nitide viridis : regione oculari, dorso inferiore et ventre medio cserulescente tiuctis : gula nigra, plaga castanea utrinque marginata : macula verticali et uropygio laete croceis : rostro et pedibus nigris ; long, tota 4*6, aloe 2*8, caudae 2*0. Jr. subtus fuscescenti-viridis, gula nigra carens.
Hab. Columbia int. ; /Equatoria et Peruvia.
I have never seen Peruvian skins of this species ; but so far as can be told from Tschudi^s description, they do not diflFer from those of Ecuador and Columbia. Tschudi gives the wood-region of North and Middle Peru as its habitat ; but I suppose he met with it in the district of Junin, east of Lima, where most of his birds were obtained, and where Jelski also collected specimens at Amable Maria and Pumamarca.
In Ecuador G. calliparia seems to occur in the wooded valleys on both sides of the great range. Bourcier obtained specimens in the valley of Banos, near Tungaragua, one of which is now in my collection ; and a single skin of an imma- ture bird was in Verreaux's large series from the Rio Napo, which I catalogued in 1858.
As regards Columbia, this Tanager is found, though not very frequently, in " Bogota^^ collections. The first examples of it which I ever saw were brought to Paris in 1850 by a ]\I.
466 jSIr. P. L. Sclater on the Species 0/ Chlovochrysa.
Chapoul, and labelled '' Aglaia chapoul" by the late well- kuowu bird-dealer, Parzudaki. One of these is still in my possession. I have also a sin-,^le immature specimen of the regular " Bogota " make, purchased of a London dealer in 1853.
An accurate figure of the species is given in the ' Contri- butions to Ornithology ' for 1851, above referred to.
2. Chlorochrysa phcenicotis.
Calliste phmiicotis, Bp. Compt. Rend, xxxii. p. 76 (1851). Calliparaa j)hcenicotis, Bp. Rev. Zool. 1851, p. 129, et Note s. 1. Tang. p. 3,
Chlorochrysa phcenicotis, Sclater, Coutr. Orn. 1851, p. 100, pi. 72. fig. 2 ; P. Z. S. 1856, p. 2G6, 1860, p. 87; Syn. Av. Tanagr. p. 93; et Cat. A. B. p. 61 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. Av. Am. p. 18.
Nitide viridis : tectricibus alarum minoribus et maculis utrinque una sub oculo altera auriculari nitenti-brun- neo-olivaceis : hac macula auriculari plaga corallino- rubra versus nucham marginata : alis caudaque intus cum rostro et pedibus nigris : long, tota 5'0, aise 3'0, caudaj 1*7. Hub. ^quatoria transandeana.
So far as I know, this Tanager is restricted to Transandean Ecuador, vs^here it was first obtained by M. Bourcier during his consulship at Quito. M. Bourcier's skins were collected near Nanegal, a village situated ten leagues from Quito, on the slopes of Pichincha, at an elevation of about 4000 feet above the sea-level. Mr. Eraser visited the same spot in February 1859, and obtained a single skin of this species, which, as also one of M. Bourcier^s specimens, is now in my collection. I have never seen the species from any other locality. Mr. Eraser notes the iridcs as " hazel."
3. Chlorochrysa nitidissima. (Plate X.) Chlorochrysa nitidissima, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1873, p. 728.
Supr^ nitide viridis, tergo cserulescente ; pileo antico, capitis lateribus et interscapulio flavis : macula auriculari utrin- que nigra : alis caudaque nigris viridi limbatis : uropygii phimis paucis aurantiaco tcrminatis : subtus caerulescenti-
Ibis 1875 PI X.
J Gr.Keuleinaiis bth.
M&N.Hanhart imp.
CHLOROCHRYSA NITIDISSIMA.
^
Dr. O. Fiuscli on Clialcopelia brelimeri. 467
viridis, ventre medio nigro, gutture toto aurco-flavo, hoc colore in collo in aurantiacum transeunte : rostro ct pc- dibus nigris : long, tota 5, alee 2'7 , caudse 1*75. Hab. Status Antioquise^ reipubl. Columbianse. M. Salmon's single specimen, now in my collection, is the only example yet received of this beautiful species. The figure represents it of the natural size.
XLIII. — Note on Chalcopelia brehmeri. By. Dr. O. Finsch.
I HAVE received from Count Hercules Turati, of Milan, a Dove from the Ogone, a confluent of the Gaboon, labelled " Chalcopelia puella, Schleg./^ but which, after an examina- tion with the true C. puella from Fantee, proves to belong not to that species, but to C. brehmeri, described by Dr. Hart- laub from a single specimen in the Bremen Museum, sent by Mr. Henry Brehmer from Gaboon. It is worthy of remark that the original description of C brehmeri (Ibis, 1865, p. 236) relates to the young, not full-coloured bird, and that the dis- tinguishing characters, " nearly allied to C. puella, but differ- ing in the reddish colour of the forehead and the rectrices ; it is also smaller than C. puella," are also referable only to the young bird, and of no sj)ecific value.
The adult C. brehmeri, indeed, corresponds in every respect with the adult C puella ; only the blue of the head and hind neck is a little darker and more vivid, but it may be distin- guished by the metallic spots on the last secondaries, the so- called tertials. These are in C puella dark metallic green, whereas they are in C. brehmeri splendid metallic coppery red, with golden greenish reflections. These spots are also indi- cated in the young bird, and are of the same coppery shine as in the old bird ; but this significant character, the only one which may be considered of specific value, as far as our know- ledge reaches at present, is not mentioned in the description in ' The Ibis.'
The smaller size of the type specimen is also due to the bird not being full-grown ; the old bird is as large as, perhaps a little larger, than C puella.
|
Rostr. |
Tare. |
|
lin. |
lin. |
|
7 |
11 |
|
1\ |
12 |
|
7^ |
11 |
468 Mr. J. II. Gurney's Notes on
Alse. Caud.
in. lin. in. lin.
C. i;T/onm jim., type 4 7 3 6
„ ad. J 5 0 3 10
C. puella ad 4 9 3 10
XLIV. — Notes on a ' Catalogue of the Accipitres in the British Museum,' bij II. Bowdler Sharpe (1874) . By J. H. Gurxey.
[Continued from page 370.]
In continuing my observations on the genus Accipiter, I think it desirable to call attention to the fact that several of the Hawks included by jNIr. Sharpe in that genus bear a re- markable resemblance in their coloration and markings, both in their immature and adult plumage, to various other species which are included by Mr. Sharpe in the genus Astur, and that these resemblances are strongest between species inha- biting the same regions. Thus
Accipiter ovarnpensis resembles Astur poly zonoides. „ minuUus „ „ tachiro.
„ viryatus „ „ trivirgatus.
„ ei-ythrauchen „ „ griseigularis.
„ cirrhocephalus „ „ approximans* .
It was probably the existence of such similarities that induced the late Dr. Kaup to make the following remark (P. Z. S. 1867, p. 170) : — " The length of the middle toe, or of the toes generally, has only a specific value in the Nisi, and not a generic one," — an observation which appears to me to have considerable force, though I will not now occupy further space by here discussing it.
As in the case of the Hawks referred by Mr. Sharpe to the genus Astur, so, in like manner, among those comprised by him under the generic name of Accipiter, some distinct na- tural groups appear to me to exist ; and I now purpose to
* According to Prof. Schlegel (Museum des Pays-Bas, A. Accipitres, p. 62), a similar resemblance exists between the adults oi Accipiter mada- ffascariensis (A. lantzii, Verr. ) and Astur hcn^ti.
Mr. R. B. Sharpens Catalogue of Accipitres. 469
enumerate the species of which these groups are, according to my view, severally composed, considering first those that are to a certain extent aberrant from A. nisus, which may be taken as the type of Mr. Sharpe's genus Accipiter, and com- mencing with the powerful American Hawks, for which the late Prince Bonaparte proposed the subgeneric name of Cooper- astur.
An excellent summary of this group has been given by Messrs. Sclater and Salvin at p. 170 of ' Exotic Ornithology,' from which I extract the following list of the species that are comprised in it : —
" Section A. Species uniformly coloured beneath. 1. A. pileatus. 2. A. bicolor.
Section B. Species more or less mottled beneath.
3. A. cooperi. 5. A. guttatus.
4. A. gundlachi. 6. A. chilensis.
Section C. Species broadly barred below and with breast rufous. 7. A. pectoralis."
In the summary above referred to, the authors of the ' Ex- otic Ornithology' treat A. mexicanus, Swains., as a synonym of ^. cooperi; and in this view, which appears to me to be entirely correct, Mr. Sharpe concurs; a similar conclusion has also been arrived at by Mr. Ridgway, who has published some remarks on this subject at p. 84 of the last volume of the 'Proceedings' of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, where he has also given some interesting par- ticulars of the climatic variations of colouring which he has observed in specimens of A. cooperi obtained in various parts of the North- American continent.
In the same paper Mr. Ridgway confirms the view taken by Messrs. Sclater and Salvin in treating A. gundlachi as specifically distinct, a point as to which Mr. Sharpe has ex- pressed some doubt in a footnote to p. 137 of his Catalogue.
Like Mr. Sharpe, 1 have never had an opportunity of per- sonally examining this Cuban Hawk ; and I am not aware that any specimen of it exists in this country.
470 Mr. J. li. Gunicy's Notes on
With reference to A. mexicanus, I find that the view held by the naturalists above referred to, as to its identity with A. cooperi, is also taken by Dr. Coues in his recent work on the birds of North-western America ; the same author, at p. 335 of that work, makes the following remarks in treating of the differences between A. fuscus and A. cooperi : — " There is also a difference in the feet, those of fuscus being much slenderer, comparatively as well as absolutely, and relatively longer.^' This tendency to an Asturine form of foot in A. cooperi is more or less characteristic of tlie whole subgenus Coop)erastur.
Another American form, that very rare species^ A. col- laris, is yet more remarkable in the robust character of its tarsi and feet, and is perhaps not properly referable to any other of the subgeneric forms into which the genus Accipiter, as used by Mr. Sharpe, may be considered to be divisible, being, in fact, very much sui generis.
With regard to this species I have also to observe that the description of it given by Mr. Sharpe, though headed " im- mature," is apparently taken from the adult typical speci- men in the British Museum, which was figured and described at p. 148 of 'The Ibis' for 1860, pi. vi.
A younger specimen, in the Norwich Museum, was also briefly pescribed in the same notice, and a representation of the upper portion of it introduced into the accompanying plate. Referring my readers to this description, which will be found at p. 149 of the volume above mentioned, I may add that, although the chief part of the plumage of this spe- cimen is immature, it is acquiring the adult dress by a moult on the back and wings, thus showing the striking difference between the brownish black hue which characterizes its upper surface when adult, and the rich rufous tint which is con- spicuous on that part of its plumage when immature, and especially so on the wings and tail, though both the rectrices, and also the quill-feathers of the wing, are transversely barred with black; in the wing-feathers, however, the dark bars appear only on the inner web, except in the case of the- ter- * Conf. Ibis, 1874, p. .'521.
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue 0/ Accipitros. 471
tiarics, where they extend slightly across and beyond the shaft ; the interspaces between the bars on the wing-feathers are throughout of a paler rufous than the outer webs ; the primary and secondary quills are also tipped with blackish brown. A much more abundant tropical American species, Accipiter tinus, exhibits in its first plumage a rufous phase much resembling the immature dress of ^. coUaris; such an example is described by Mr. Sharpe as " young/' the second, or succeeding stage being defined by him as " immature,'' and the final state as " adult."
A young male from the Upper Amazons, which is pre- served in the Norwich Museum, agrees generally with Mr. Sharpe's description of the " young " bird, but differs from it in the following particulars : the upper scapulars and in- terscapulary feathers are crossed by alternate transverse bars of a very dark rufous and of a rufous of a brighter hue ; and on the lower scapulars these tints are further varied by three or four bands of fulvous white crossing the entire breadth of each feather near its base, but nearer to its point only the inner web.
Notwithstanding the great resemblance in the character of coloration which exists between A. coUaris and A. tinus in their first dress, and, to a certain extent, in their adult plu- mage also, I am disposed to assign A. tinus to a group distinct from A. collaris ; and in this group I would also include three small African Hawks, A. hartlaubi, A. minullus, and A. erij- thropus, if indeed the latter, which I have not had an op- portunity of examining, be really a distinct species from A. minullus.
The late Dr. Kaup associated A. tinus and A. minullus in a distinct subgenus, first under the title Hieraspiza, with A. virgatus, and subsequently under that of Teraspiza, with A. virgatus and A. rhodog aster ; but I am disposed to consider that the two latter species belong rather to the group of which A. nisus is the type, though they are in some respects aberrant members of it, and though A. rhodogaster is re- markable for a rufescent immature plumage, which, in its upper parts, much resembles that of A. tinus at a correspond- ing age.
472 Mr. J. II. Gurney's Notes on
A. hartlauh'i, A. minullus, and A. erythropus all bear in their adult stage conspicuous Avliite spots on the inner web of the middle rectrices ; and a similar white spot appears on the upper part of the tail of a male specimen of A. tinus, from Demerara, in the Norwich Museum, This specimen is in the second stage of plumage ; and both it and a female in the same collection are passing by a moult from that plumage to the adult dress.
As I am not aware that the colour of the iris in A. tinus has been recorded, I may mention that an adult male from the Ucayali, in the Norwich Museum, has been thus ticketed by its collector : — " Iris brown, skin round the eye yellow.^^
The second plumage of A. tinus much resembles the im- mature dress of ^. hartlaubi ; and as the latter is not described by Mr, Sharpe in that stage, I may add the following parti- culars of a young male from Casamanze, which is preserved in the Norwich Museum : — The general colour of the upper surface is dark brown, inclining to blackish on the crown of the head, the feathers at the back of the head and neck showing conspicuous white bases ; immediately above the shoulders a decided tinge of rufous, which also appears on the edging of the feathers forming the outer wing-coverts, and especially of those near the carpal joint; all the quill- feathers of the wing crossed with alternate bands of darker and paler Ijrown on the inner webs, but not extending to the innermost margin of these webs, which is of a pale buff colour ; the outer webs of the primaries somewhat paler than the adjacent portion of the inner webs ; the upper tail-coverts white, with three cross bars of dark brown on each feather ; the outer webs of the rectrices with dark transverse bars al- ternating with paler bars, which latter are on the inner webs more or less entirely white ; the dark bars are eight in num- ber on the outer rectrices, and six on the remainder ; on the under surface of the tail the entire interspaces between the dark transverse bars are white, slightly tinged with buff; the throat is creamy white interspersed with small spots and shaft-marks of dark brown ; the entire remainder of the un- der surface of the body, including the thighs, is white, with
Mr. R. B. S/iarpe's (kitalogne of Accipitres. 473
transverse bars of pale rufesceiit brown, which become broader and more rufous on the flanks and on the outer side of the thighs, but on the under tail-coverts are narrow, sparse, and irregular.
Mr. Sharpe does not describe the female of this species, and I am unable to supply the deficiency ; but Dr. Hartlaub, at p. 16 of his work on the birds of West Africa, remarks respecting it, " The female does not essentially difier in colour- [from the male] , but is a third larger."
With regard to A. minuUus, it may be worth observing that in two of the specimens preserved in the Norwich Mu- seum, an adult male and female approaching the period of moulting, the white spots on the central rectrices have evi- dently become much more abraded by the action of the wea- ther than the dark portions of the same feather ; and I may add that I have frequently observed the same phenomenon in the case of the pale spots on the tail of Faico saker.
Another specimen of A. minuHus, in the same collection, an immature female, is commencing, by a moult, the assump- tion of the adult dress upon the breast, which I note as indi- cative of the mode in which the change is effected in this species.
Following my purpose of referring in the first instance to the more aberrant species of the genus Accipiter, I may now mention a remarkable African form, A. melanoleucus , which, though it has the elongated middle toe of a Sparrow- Hawk, nearly approaches in size to the typical Goshawks, being not much smaller than Astur palumbarius.
The coloration of this species, especially when adult, is very peculiar, and seems to point it out as naturally separated from all other Hawks.
It is found in three very distinct phases of plumage, which are severally designated by Mr. Sharpe as " young," " ma- ture," and ** adult," and each of which is common to both sexes.
The measurements supplied by Mr. Sharpe under the head of " mature," give the ordinary dimensions of the male bird ; and those under the head of " adult," those of the female.
474 ]Mr. J. II. Gurney^s Notes on
The first plumage, described by Mr. Shari)e as " youug," is always (so far as I have observed) more rufescent than is re- presented in the figure of the young bird given in Sir A. Smith's 'Illustrations of South African Zoology' (Aves,pl. 18) ; but two young males in the Norwich Museum, one of which contains a considerable remnant of nestling-down, are of a much richer rufous than two youug females in the same collection.
The second plumage assumed by this species is that which Mr. Sharpe designates as '' mature." The Norwich Museum contains six specimens in this dress, three of which retain partial traces of the rufescent stage which immediately pre- ceded it.
The third phase of plumage, which is almost entirely black, is spoken of by Mr. Sharpe as " adult /' but if this expression is intended to imply that every adult specimen ultimately acquires it, I would suggest that such an inference is hardly compatible with the rarity of these melanistic individuals ; and, as an instance of their comparative scarcity, I would men- tion that out of seven adult specimens preserved in the Norwich Museum, only one is in this peculiar dress ; this example, a male, has all the underparts of a glossy black (with a slight greenish reflexion in some lights), except the under tail- coverts, which are transversely marked with broad alternate bars of black and white, and excepting also the cliin and uppermost portion of the throat, which are white mingled with black, the feathers there being white with narrow black bases, shafts, and tips. In other respects this specimen agrees with jNIr. Sharpens description, save that it shows no traces of " buffy white " at the base of the quills.
I may add, as a parallel case, that Mr. Layard, in his work on the birds of South Africa, records a male of this species which was "^ throughout of a rich brown-black," as having " the chin and vent white, with streaks and blotches of the prevailing colour."
There remains but one other section of the Sparrow-Hawks included by Mr. Sharpe in the genus Accipiter which appears to me to be distinctly separal)lc from the central group, of
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue 0/ Accipitres. 475
which A. nisus is the type, namely that which is composed of those species which assimilate in the character of their mark- ings and coloration to the Asturine subgenus Urospizias. These are three in number, viz. A. cirrhocephalus, A. rubri- coUis, and A. erythrauchen, respecting which I have only to remark : — with reference to A. cirrhocephalvs, that Tasmania should be added to the localities given for it by Mr. Sharpe ; and with regard to A. erythrauchen (the immature stage of which is not described by Mr. Sharpe), that a young speci- men from Gilolo, in the Norwich Museum, closely resembles in its plumage an immature specimen of its nearly allied con- gener, A. rubricollis, from Ceram, in the same collection.
I may add that Mr. Sharpe does not include Ceram amongst the localities of A. rubricollis, but it is given by Mr. Wallace in 'The Ibis ^ for 1868, p. 7.
Proceeding to the consideration of the most typical section of Sparrow-Hawks, the group of which A. nisus may be considered the central species, I think it will be convenient to refer, in the first place, to the four species of this group which inhabit the American continent, viz. A.fuscus, A. chi- onogaster, A. erythrocneniis, and A. ventralis.
With regard to A. fuscus, I may note that the Norwich Museum possesses an adult female from New Jersey, in which the rufous tints of the underparts are as bright and very nearly as dark as those of a male bird in normal adult plumage ; also that an adult male from the southern slope of the volcano of Chiriqui has all the underparts of a much darker rufous, and the white interspaces much narrower and less conspicuous, both on the sides of the breast and on the thighs, than is the case in any other specimen which I have examined.
The slate-colour of the upper parts is also very unusually dark in this individual, especially on the upper surface of the head, which is almost black.
This curious specimen forms part of the fine collection of Messrs. Salvin and Godman, to whose kindness I am in- debted for the opportunity of examining both it and also many other rare and interesting American Accipitres.
SER. III. VOL. V. 2 m
4176 Ml'. J. H. Criirney's Notes on
The next species to which I propose to allude is A. chiono- gaster, with refereace to which I may observe that the mea- surements given by Mr. Sharpe of that species appear to be those of the male bird, and I therefore add the following taken from a Guatemalan female in the collection of Messrs. Salvin and Godman : — wing from carpal joint 8G inches, tarsus 2*2, middle toe s. u. 1"6.
Mr. Sharpe only describes the adult plumage of this species, which is the same in both sexes ; and I may therefore men- tion that a young male from Merida, in Venezuela, in the above collection, differs from Guatemalan* adults in the fol- lowing particulars, viz. : — A.11 the feathers on the upper sur- face, except the primaries and rectrices, are narrowly tipped with rufous brown, and those on the sides of the neck are edged throughout with the same ; the dark cross bars on the tail are six in number on the upper, and nine on the lower surface ; the shaft-marks on the breast and abdomen are broader than in the adult, and there are two irregular cross bars on each feather on the sides of, the breast; the thighs are of a uniform rich rufous, much darker than the fulvous tint of the tibial feathers in a somewhat more advanced, but still immature, male and female from Guatemala, in which the thighs are nearly as pale as in the Guatemalan adults of both sexes.
I have examined two young males of this species in which the iris has been noted by the collector as being yellow ; and I think it well to note the fact, as the colour of the eye in this species has not, so far as I know, been recorded.
Passing on to the next nearly allied, but more southern species, A. erythrocnemis, I may remark that the type speci- men in the British Museum, which is the only one of which Mr. SharjDC gives the measurements, appears by its dimen- sions to be a male ; and I therefore annex, as a guide to the comparative size of the sexes, which do not otherwise differ, the following measurements of two presumed males and three presumed females : —
* 1 liave uot liad any oppoiliinity of exaniiuiii<j- an adult specimen from Venezuela.
Mr. R. B. SkarjH''s Catalogue of Accipitres. 477
Wing from Middle
carpal joint. Tarsus. toe, s. ii.
in. in. in.
Male, taken from Sclater and Salvin's
' Exotic Ornithology ' G-6 1-9
Male, in Noi-wich Museum, from
Bahia 64 1-7 M
Female, in Norwich Museum, loca- lity unknown 8 2 1 '4
Female, in Messrs. Salvin and God- man's collection, from East Brazil 7'6 1-8 1-4 Female, in the same collection, from
Bahia 76 lO 1-3
It would appear from the above that the average size of A. erythrocnemis is somewhat less than than that of its western congener, A. ventralis, of which species I have recently mea- sured eight presumed males and the same number of pre- sumed females, with the following results : —
Wing from Middle
carpal joint. Tarsus. toe, s. u.
inches. inches. inches.
Males 6-7 to 6-9 1-9 to 2 l-lo to 1-3
Females 7-9 to 8-7 2-1 to 2-2 1-25 to 1-5
The excess in average size of A. ventralis over A. erythro- cnemis, though not very great, is yet of importance as a guide in distinguishing the two species, and the more so, as speci- mens of A. ventralis occur which are almost precisely similar in the coloration and markings of their under surface to the adults of A. erythrocnemis, the breast and abdomen being barred with alternate transverse bands of white and greyish brown, though the upper surface is always rather darker than in the adults of A. erythroctiemis.
I think it is certain, from a comparison of a series of spe- cimens, that this plumage of A. ventralis intervenes between the earliest dress, which ]Mr. Sharpe designates as " young," and that which he correctly describes as '' adult." Thi'ee such females from New Granada are preserved in the Norwich Museum ; and a male, passing out of this intermediate stage into the adult plumage, and also from New Granada, is in the collection of Messrs. Salvin and Godnoan : in this speci-
2 M 2
478 Mr. J. H. Gurney's Notes on
men the eliange appears to be taking place by an alteration in the colour of the feathers^ and not by a moult.
I may add that I have seen a very nearly adult male of this species in which the iris was recorded by the collector as being yellow, as in the younger specimen described by Mr. Sharpe.
Mr. Sharpe includes A. nigroplumbeus of Lawrence, from Ecuador, among the synonyms of ^. ventralis ; but if it be identical with that species, as it possibly may be, the type specimen is one which differs in the plumbeous aspect of its under surface from any example of A. ventralis which I have examined. This specimen is described by Mr. Lawrence as having the " chin and upper part of the throat of a dull ashy plumbeous ; abdomen dark brownish cinnamon ; thighs and under tail-coverts plumbeous, like the breast, but with an intermixture of dull cinnamon ^^ [vide Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1869, p. 270) .
An adult male of A. ventralis from Ecuador, in Messrs. Salvin and Godman^s collection, has the rufous colouring of the underparts remarkably dark and rich, but without any admixture of the plumbeous tinge which distinguishes Mr. Lawrence^s specimen above referred to.
Of the Sparrow-Hawks peculiar to the African continent, I consider that only two belong to the most typical group, viz. A. ovampensis, which I have already described {antea, p. 367), and A. rufiventris, with reference to which I may mention a curious resemblance that it bears in one respect to A. ovampensis, viz. in having three yellowish white spots on the shafts of the rectrices between the dark transverse bars on the upper surface of the tail. In A. rufiventris these white spots are limited to the shafts of the feathers, and do not, as in ^. ovampensis, extend to the adjacent webs.
As Mr. Sharpe does not describe the immature plumage of A. rufiventris, I may point out that the young male is cor- rectly figured in Temminck^s ' Planches Col/ pi. 496 (though the lettering at the foot of the plate inaccurately describes the specimen as ''male adulte^^), and also in Smithes 'Illus- trations of the Zoology of South Africa ' (Aves, pi. 93, fig. B) ; but I must add that one of the young males in the Norwich Museum shows traces of transverse bars on the upper breast.
Mr. R. B. Sharpens Catalogue of Accipitres. 479
which may be the remnants of a still earlier stagc^ resembling the plumage of the immature female.
A young female is represented in figure C of Sir A. Smith's plate ; and an immature hen bird in the Norwich Museum agrees well with this representation in markings, but not al- together in colour, being browner on the upper surface, and exhibiting a decidedly rufous coloration on the dark mark- ings of all the lower parts, except the undersurface of the rectrices,
Accipiter nisus is the only typical Sparrow- Hawk found in Europe, whence its range extends eastward to Japan, west- ward to Madeira, and southward to Northern Africa.
The variations of plumage which mark the different ages of both sexes of this species have been very fully described by Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser in their article on this Hawk in the ' Birds of Europe,^ since which, a male, supposed to be of this species, but in abnormal and, so far as I know, unique plumage, which " was shot on Tyneside in 1854," has been described and figured by Mr. Hancock at page 16 of his valu- able' Catalogue of the Birds of Northumberland and Durham.* In this individual the coloration and absence of markings on the underparts, from the chin to the vent, ajjpear closely to resemble the adult plumage of A. rufiventris ; but in the fur- ther peculiarity of having " no distinct bands on the tail " the Tyneside specimen differs both from A. rufiventris and from ordinary examples of A. nisus.
Mr. Sharpe is not yet satisfied of the specific distinctness o^ Accipiter melaschistos of Hume from the ordinary A. nisus; and I have but very little additional information to offer tending to elucidate this question j but I have had, through the kindness of Lord Walden, the opportunity of measuring a female of A. melaschistos from Simla, with the following results — wing from carpal joint 10*5 inches, tarsus 2' 75, middle toe s. u. 1"75. These dimensions are slightly in excess of those of the largest female which I have examined of A. nisus, a specimen from Foochow, in the Norwich Museum, of which the corresponding measurements are — wing 10" 2 inches, tarsus 2"5, middle toe s. u. \7.
The Turkcjstan Sparrow-Hawk, lately described by Severt-
480 Mr. J. H. Gurney's Notes on
zoflP under the title of A. cenchroides {vide antea, p. 104)^ is probably referable to the same group as A. nisus; but it is possible that it may prove identical with Mr. Blanford's Ba- luchistan Hawk^ to which I have alluded at a previous page {vide antea, p. 361)*.
I have already expressed my opinion that Accipiter vir- gatus belongs to the most typical section of the Sparrow- Hawks ; and I will now proceed to the consideration of that species, with reference to which I may, in the first place, ob- serve that the streak of white over the eye, mentioned in Mr. Sharpens description of the immature bird, is by no means a constant character, being absent in many specimens. Judg- ing from a remark at page 152 of his catalogue, Mr. Sharpe does not appear to have met with the male of this species in its second or intermediate dress ; but I have seen several males in that stage. They are then chiefly characterized by the sides of the breast being of a greyish brown very slightly tinged with rufous, instead of a bright rufous, as in the males that are fully adidt.
In the adult plumage of this species the rufous colouring of the lower part of the breast, the abdomen, and the thighs is always (so far as I have observed) transversely barred with white; and although the rufous of the thighs is in some specimens paler than that of the adjacent parts (as described by Mr. Sharpe), it is in others fully as rich and bright as the rufous of the abdomen ; I have, however, never seen a female in which the rufous tints were so bright as in the adult males.
This species varies considerably in size, as will be seen by the following measurements, chiefly taken from specimens in the Norwich Museum : —
Wing from Middle
carpal joint. Tarsus. toe, s. u.
in. in. in. Presumed males :
From India (exact locality im-
known) ' 6-2 1-9 1-2
Ditto, ditto 6-15 1-8 1-25
* [Mr. Dresser tells us that Dr. Severtzoff now considers this bird to be only a large form of A. badiits, — Ed.]
Mr. R. B. Sharpens Catalof/nc r>/' Accipitrcs. 181
Wiug from Midtlle
carpal joiut. Tarsus. toe, s. u.
in. in. in.
From Nepal 67 21 1-2
From Himalayas 6-2 2-05 1-05
Ditto 6-6 2-05 1-2
Ditto 7-S 2 1-2
From Ceylon 6-35 1-8 Mo
From Malacca 6'7 19 1-25
Ascertained males :
FromBatavia 6-9 19 115
Ditto 5-8 17 1-15
Presumed females :
From India (exact locality un- known) 77 2-1 1-45
Ditto, (ditto) 77 22 l-o
From Sciude 8-2 2-1 l-o
From Himalayas 78 22 1-45
From Singapore (two specimens) 7'3 2'1 1-4
From Borneo imperfect. 21 lo
Ascertained female :
From Batavia 7*2 2 1*5
These measurements apparently lead to the inference that northern specimens are, on the average, larger than those from more southern localities ; and this excess in size is still more apparent in the race inhabiting Japan and Formosa, which has been separated under the title of A. gularis, but which Mr. Sharpe consolidates with A. virgatus.
The following are measurements of specimens of ^. gularis in the Norwich Museum : —
Wing from Middle
carpal joint. Tarsus. toe, s. u.
in. in. in. Presumed males :
From Japan 7'8 2-05 l-."{
From Formosa 7 21 1-2
Ditto 6-9 21 1-2
Ditto 67 206 1-2
Presumed females :
From Japan 8-8 2-2 1-4
From Formosa 8-5 2-5 17
Professor Schlegel, in his supplementary catalogue of the
482 Mr. J. II. Gurney^s Notes on
birds of prey in the Leyden Museum, published in 1873, unites A. gularis with A. virgatus ; but in his earlier catalogue of 1862 he separates them, and writes thus with reference to A. gularis : — '^ Voisin du Nisus virgatus, mais d\ine taille plus forte, k doigts un pen plus courts, h la quatrieme remige de- passant notablcment la cinquieme."
With reference to this last remark Mr. Hume writes thus in ' Stray Feathers,' vol. ii. p. 141 : —
" Accipiter virgatus, Temm. A single specimen, a female, which I refer to this species, was obtained [at the Andaman Islands]. 1{ gularis of Schlegel be admitted as distinct, this bird might stand under the latter name, inasmuch as its fourth quill is considerably longer than the fifth, whereas in all my twelve sj)ecimens from various parts of the Himalayas, from Murree to Darjeeling, the fourth and fifth quills are almost precisely of the same length.^' This rule, though generally holding good, is not universally applicable : the Norwich Museum possesses an adult male of A. virgatus, from Java, in which the length of the fourth primary exceeds that of the fifth by '55 inch ; but in two other Javan specimens in the same collection no such peculiarity exists.
On the other hand, in six specimens of A. gularis from Japan and Formosa which I have examined, the fourth primary exceeds the fifth in length, but the excess is very variable, being in one specimen '05 inch, in a second '1, in a third '15, in a fourth '25, in a fifth '75, and in a sixth -8.
The question whether this larger race should be treated as distinct, is one which individual ornithologists must decide according to their own estimates of what is sufficient to con- stitute specific distinction ; but on another point connected wdth the synonymy of A. virgatus, I ventm-e to think that Mr. Sharpe is certainly mistaken, viz. in not admitting the specific distinctness of Accipiter stevensoni, which, in my opinion, undoubtedly is, as Mr. Sharpe, in a footnote, admits that it may be, a good and valid species.
Both the tarsus and the middle toe are, on an average of specimens, decidedly shorter in A. stevensoni than in A. vir-
Mr. R. B. Sharpe's Catalogue of Accipitres. 483
gatus ; and the two species also differ in their markings and coloration.
I have lately remeasured ten specimens of A. stevensoni in the Norwich Museum ; and although the dimensions of some of them have been already given in 'The Ibis' for 1863^ I think it convenient^ for the purpose of comparison^ here to insert the following particulars : —
Wing from Middle
carpal joint. Tarsus. toe, s. u.
in, in. in. Presumed males :
FromPekin 6-55 1-7 1
From Macao 6-8 1-8 1-05
Ascertained male :
FromChefoo 6-65 1-8 1-1
Presumed females :
From China (exact locality un- known) 7-7 1-9 1-2
From Singapore 7-25 2 1-15
Ascertained females :
From Shanghai 77 2-05 1-2
From Java 7-4 2 1-15
The last-named specimen was obtained by the late Dr. Bernstein, who appears, by the ticket which is attached to it, to have recognized it as distinct from A. virgatus, of which he also obtained specimens whilst resident in Java.
I have not had an opportunity of examining this species in the dress which it wears on first leaving the nest ; but the specimen from Singapore above referred to retains some por- tions of this plumage, showing that it is characterized by the feathers of the breast exhibiting a long brown mark down the centre of each feather, whilst the sides of the feather are a pure white. As the bird advances in age these longitudinal marks are exchanged throughout the breast, sides, abdomen, and thighs for alternate transverse bars of pure white and dark brown, the white bars being intersected on the upper portion of the breast by dark shaft-marks; these are also apparent on the throat, which, with that exception, is white.
So far as I have observed, the female undergoes no further change ; but in the male all these markings, except the nar-
484' Mr. H. Sauudcrs on the hniuatui'c
row shaft-marks on the throat and some of the white trans- verse bars on the abdomen, gradually disappear and leave the entire remainder of the undersiirface of a fawn-colour, which, however, is hardly so dark as is represented in pi. ii. of ' The Ibis ' for 1863.
The three remaining species of the gi'oup are A. rhodo- gaster, A. sulaensis, and A. madagascariensis. The mea- surements of the first of these, as given by Mr. Sharpe, ap- pear to have been taken from a male bird ; and 1 may there- fore mention that the detailed dimensions of two females are given by Lord Walden at page 110 of the 8th volume of the Zoological Society^s ' Transactions.'
In the case of the nearly allied Accipiter sulaensis, Mr. Sharpe gives the measurements of the type specimen, a fe- male in the Ley den Museum, which I believe is the only specimen of this Hawk at present existing in any European collection.
The specific name of madagascariensis , which has been long used to denote Scelopizias francisccB, has been proved, by Mr. Sharpens discovery of the type specimen in the British Mu- seum, to be really applicable to the much scarcer Madagascar Hawk which has hitherto been usually known by the name of Accipiter lantzii, and which is fully described in Mr. Sharpens volume under its prior appellation of madagas- cariensis.
[To be continued.]
XLV. — Oil the Immature Plumage of Rhodostethia rosea. By Howard Saunders, F.L.S., F.Z.S.
When visiting the collection of Laridaj formed by the late Herr Briich in the Museum of Mayence, I was already aware that amongst its principal attractions were specimens of the rare Cuneate-tailed Gull, Rhodostethia rosea, Macgill. Of this interesting species all the examples hitherto examined have been adults, and, with one exception, in summer plu- mage, as marked by the black collai- ; my surprise and delight
Plumage of Rhodostethia rosea. 485
may therefore be imagined when, on proceeding to the case containing the Laridae, I saw before me two specimens of this rare bird in immature plumage. Not being aware of any account of this interesting stage, and presuming that it will be equally new to most ornithologists, I do not hesitate to give a description of it.
Bill black, feathered to base of nostril, thence to tip '6 in. ; from gape to tip 1"2 in.
Head white ; a few dark hairlike feathers round the eye of one specimen, and beneath the eye of the other; black col- lar slightly developed on the one, distinct in the other, espe- cially on nape.
Breast pure white, with a pink tinge on the lower part and on the abdomen.
Mantle to rump grey, lighter on shoulders.
Wing : length (underneath measurement) 9'4— 9"5 inches. Primaries, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd smoke-brown on outer web and shaft, this colour running round the tip and some way up the inner web, the remainder of which is white ; on the 4th and 5th the white portion increases, but the shaft continues dark, although successively becoming lighter, till on the 10th it is pure white ; in the 6th the dark marking on the webs becomes a brown bar, which gradually decreases until it is nearly lost in the 9th, and totally so in the 10th primary, which is entirely white. These dark tips give a very pretty barred appearance to the wings. Secondaries pearl-grey, passing into white, thus forming a white band. Carpals and upper wing-coverts smoke-brown, faintly tipped with white ; lower wing-coverts grey, like the mantle, but tertials smoke- brown.
Tail consisting of twelve feathers, pure white in one spe- cimen ; in the other the 3rd and 4th feathers on each side are barred with smoke-brown ; the 4th projects beyond them a trifle, the 5th decidedly, whilst the central feathers extend •75 in. beyond the 5th, making total projection about one inch. Total length of tail 4-5 inch ; wings in stufied speci- men reach a trifle beyond tip.
Tarsus l'15-r2 in., middle toe 1*2 in., outer toe I'l in.
486 On the Immature Plumage of Rliodostetliia rosea.
inner toe '95 in. ; hind toe and nail well developed ; nails black.' Colour of legs and feet (evidently much faded) yel- lowish clay.
I am inclined to think that these are birds of a trifle more than a year old, just beginning to lose the black collar which they assumed for the first time in the spring of the year in which they were obtained ; but considering the utter want of trustworthy data respecting the time occupied in acquiring the successive stages of plumage, this is mere conjecture and given for what it is worth.
The history of these specimens is not very satisfactory. They were purchased some years ago from the Maison Ver- reaux, and were stated to have come from Kamtchatka. When the late M. Jules Verreaux was staying with me in 1870, 1 had a good deal of conversation with him about Laridae and the Briich collection, and I remember his expatiating upon the beauty, and especially the lovely rose-tint, of two specimens which he had sent to the Mayence Museum ; he also per- sisted that they really did come from Kamtchatka, and that he had had them from a Pole who had been there. It was impossible to contradict him ; but for various reasons, upon which I need not enlarge, I was sceptical as to the locality, and continue to be so. It is true that another arctic species {Xema sabinii) has been found breeding in both continents; but then its range can be traced from Green- land right across the American continent, and it is quite na- tural that it should pass into Siberia ; whereas the Americans, with all their energy and research, have hitherto failed to acquire a single specimen of Rhodostethia rosea, either in their own Alaska possessions, or in those portions of Kamt- chatka visited by the United-States-Telegraph Surveying Ex- pedition, which was accompanied by most able naturalists. In fact, what little we do know about this Gull tends to show that its habitat is extremely restricted ; but upon this point it is needless to say more, as our Arctic expedition will, we trust, give us some further account of it.
It may be as well to give a re\dsed list of the specimens of this rare Gull existing in collections.
On some new Central-Asiatic Birds. 487
One in the Derby Museum, Liverpool, which may be the type, obtained at Alagnak, 694° ISI. lat., Melville Peninsula, 23rd June 1823.
One in the Edinburgh University Museum, marked cJ, Iglorlik, Melville Peninsula, 27th June, 1823.
One in the University Museum, Cambridge, from Green Island, Disco Bay.
Three in the Copenhagen Museum, from Disco Bay.
One from Fseroe Islands (Suderoe), in Herr Benzon's col- lection.
One from Heligoland, Herr Gaetke^s collection.
Two in Mayence Museum, Kamtchatka ?
One in Sir William Milner's collection, said to have been killed in Yorkshire. This one has no black coUar.
Total eleven.
Besides these there is said to be another in Copenhagen, obtained by HolboU.
XL VI. — Notes on some new Central- Asiatic Birds. By Dr. N. Severtzov.
PiCUS LEPTORHYNCHUS, SCV.
This species, though closely allied to P. major, which it represents in the evergreen-tree groves of the lower Tian- shan, in the Turkestan gardens, and the saxaul {Haloxylon ammodendron) forests of the desert, yet shows a constant difference, which I have verified by an examination of about forty specimens of each species. The comparative diagnoses of the two are as follows : —
Picus leptorhynchus : Bill slender ; hinder wing-coverts, on the humero-cubital articulation, white to the smallest upper ones inclusively; secondary quills with but three (only two uncovered by the larger tectrices) very broad white mark- ings on each web, and a continued white outside edge, at least on the tertiary quills, sometimes also on most secondaries; primaries also with broad white markings, and, though the
488 Dr. N. Sevcrtzov o)} ftome
ground-colour along the shafts of all quills is black, yet this black occupies on the feather less space than the white. Tail- feathers black, only the two outermost with larger fulvous markings on the terminal half, the third with a very small ful- vous tip only ; these light markings are somewhat individually variable in shape, but always lighter fulvous, and occupying less space on the feather than those of P. major. The under- parts almost pure white, slightly tinged with straw-yellow ; the abdominal red reaches to the upper half of the sternum ; the 3rd quill shorter than 6th, the 1st quill abortive, about as long as its coverts, longest 4th = 5tli> 6th > 3rd > 7th > 2nd >8th, &c. The white cheeks are separated by a black trans- verse bar from the white sides of the neck ; the scapulars are white, as in P. major, to which, except in the above particu- lars, this bird has a strong resemblance in general colouring and sexual difference, the adult male having also a red bar across the nape, the female none, and the young male a red patch on the crown. The size is generally smaller.
Males : — length 10-10'7 inches, expanse 15*8-16"4, wing 5-1, tail 4*2, bill l'2-l-3 long from forehead, and 0-25 high at the forehead. The female is somewhat smaller, and has a shorter bill, only l"! long and 0'25 thick at front; general length 9|-10, expanse 15-15f, wing 4*7, tail 3*7. Old spe- cimens of both sexes, but the females more rarely, have some- times some slight indications of a narrow light vermilion band across the breast, between the ends of the black neck-bands.
/3. Var. leucoptera : Resembles the typical P. leptorhynchus, but has more white on the wing, especially on the secondary quills, which are sometimes almost completely white, with a sinuated black band, or even a series of black central spots along the shafts, as shown in the following cuts (p. 489).
I have observed many intermediate quill-colourings between figs. 2 and 3, but never between figs. 2 and 1 ; and therefore the var. leucoptera of P. leptorhynchus is only a variety, not a species, though it widely difi'ers in wing-colour (but nothing else) from the typical P. leptorhynchus.
P. major, it may be remembered, has a stout bill,/oMr small white markings on the edge on each web of the secondaries.
new Central- Asiatic Birds.
489
of which three arc uncovered, similar small white markings (decreasing in number), but no white outer edge, on the ter-
Secondary quill, tifth from behind, counting tlie three tertiaries : — 1. Pi cm major ; 2. P. leptorhynchus typicus ; 3. P. leptorhynelms, var. hucoptera.
tiaries, three outer tail-feathers largely marked with fulvous, a more or less brownish white or dingy light brown under- side, and the red of the belly reaching only a little upwards to the lower edge of the sternum.
It is also larger. Length 11-11^ inches, rarely about 12; wing5-7-5-8 ; tail3-7-3-9 ; bill I'l to 1-15 long from forehead, and 0'32-0'35 high at the forehead; female with a bill 1*1 long and 0*32 high. Remiges 4 > 5 > 3 ; these almost equal, all longer than 6; rem. 2 = 8; the first spurious considerably longer than its coverts. P. major is found also in Turkestan, but only in the extreme north-east^ in the mountain-forests north of Kuldja.
Other species allied to P. major, such as P. nmnidicus, P. syriacus, P. majordides, P. Jdmalayanus, P. manday'inus, etc..
490 Dr. N. Severtzov on some
are still more different from P. leptorhynchus than is the common European P. major.
The typical P. leptorhynchus, as well as its white-winged variety, are resident the whole year in Turkestan, being only somewhat migratory in winter, as are other Woodpeckers. The typical form inhabits the lower forests of tree-groves of the Tian-shan (being rarer in Karatau) — groves of wild apricot, walnut, ash {Fraxinus), elm (Ulmus), and poplar — getting in the interior as far up as the poplar grows, to about 8000 feet on the Albasli, a river falling into the Naryn or Upper Syr. It is also not scarce in the gardens of the cultivated zone at the foot of the hills, from Turkestan north-west, and Samarkand south-west, to Kuldja east. I found it particularly numerous and quite common around Tashkend, where the innumerable small fruit-gardens and plantations join each other so as to form a sort of forest, extending for several miles. It is not a shy bird, and is very similar to P. major in its manners, flying from tree to tree, and then exploring each for food, which consists chiefly of small bark-frequenting coleoptera and their larvae, also, but, to less extent, of small tree-climb- ing ants, as shown by the contents of the stomachs of the birds collected. It is more shy and retiring in the breeding- season. I obtained only one newly fledged young, a male, to more than forty adult birds, and found no nest, either of the typical or of the white-winged variety. It conceals itself for breeding in May ; the young are fledged in July ; and in September old and young have already the adult plumage.
The white- winged variety was found by me in the denser saxaul forests of the Lower Syr, between lany-kurgan and Peroffsk, and on the lany-Darya, a river flowing (only during the summer floods) from the Syr towards the Lower Oxus, and on the banks of this last stream, in the north- eastern parts of its delta. This variety is the single saxaul Woodpecker, yet somewhat scarce and somewhat more shy than the typical bird, though generally not very diflicult to approach within easy shot. The white-winged Woodpecker of the Tarim river-system, south of the Tian-shan range (pre- cise locality unknown to me), found by Capt. Biddulph, and
yiew Central- Asiatic Birds, 491
shown to me by ]\Ir. Gould, is completely identical with the white-winged saxaul variety of P. leptorhynchus .
Caprimulgus arenicolor, Sev. (falso C. isabellinus, Sev., nee Temm.) .
Closely allied to C. agyptius [C. isabellinus, Temm.), but much larger, \\-2 inches longer, wing almost 1^ longer; bill, however, smaller; wing less pointed, rem. 2>3>1; colour somewhat more greyish sandy, but all markings nearly the same ; sexual difference trifling, the adult male has one outer- most tail-feather on each side broadly tipped with white, the female with isabelline ; the young male individually varying in the colour of these tips, which he has sometimes white, like the old male, sometimes isabelline, like the female, and sometimes of both colours (that is, white shaded with isa- belline).
Length 10^-11 inches, expanse 24-26*6, wing 8*4, tail 5*3, bill 0'42. C. (egyptius has a total length of 9 inches, wing 7, bill of 0'6, and is more rufous isabelline, rem. 2>1>3.
Further particulars on the geographical range and habits of this bird will be given by me in ' The Ibis,' in Mr. Dres- ser's extracts from my ^ Turkestan skii Jevotnyi' (Turkestan vertebrate animals). Here I remark that it is common only on the lower Oxus, rarer on the Syr and in the south part of the east Caspian shore ; everywhere a summer bird.
Phasianus semitorquatus, Sev., new species ? or variety ?
A near relative to P. mongolicus, the male differing in some important particulars ; the female less so, and may easily be confounded with the female of that species.
Male. General colour a In-ight, moderately intense rufous chestnut, with metallic gloss, as in P. mongolicus, and quite similar small, black, metallic green-glossed feather-tips, which are also, in the same way, differently shaped on different parts of the body — very narrow, on some feathers disappearing, edges with a central small black blotch at the end of the shaft on back and breast, broader black ends on the sides.
But on closer examination all the feathers of the head and neck are not quite so metallic green as those of P. mongolicus ;
SER. III. VOL. V. - 2 N
493 Dr. N. Scvortzov on some
thoy are opaque bl(i<'k,\\\i\\ glossy green tii)s, Avliich are broadest on tlie liead ; the njiper throat quite opaque lilack, Avithont any glossy tips, while that of P. mongolicns is always dark pvu'ple all over, with a slight eoppery gloss.
Instead of the broad eompletely white collar (interrupted on the throat) of P. mongoUcus, there are only a few white tips on the green of the lowest side neck-feathers, showing traces of a white collar; hence the name.
The metallic gloss of all the chestnut feathers is uniformly green on the whole body of this new Pheasant, while it is partly green and partly purple in P. mongoUcus.
The cubital and carpal wing- coverts have dingy blackish centres, varied with fulvous Avhite, and broad, light silvery, bluish-grey edges and tips, which arc almost alone visible when the feathers are in order ; this is just the wing-colour of more eastern Chinese Pheasants, such as P. torquatus, P. decollatus, P. elegans, and very different from the uniform silvery white, without any markings, of P. mongoUcus.
These are the only differences; in other respects the two spe- cies, P. mongoUcus and P. semitorguatus, a.re similarly coloured.
Quills of this last : — the 1st almost spurious, half length of the second, which =7th; 3rd, 4th, 5th about equal and longest.
A single male, in adult plumage, but not quite moulted, and with a tail not full-grown, was shot at Kiytin, north-east of Kuldja, a steppe locality with a rivulet and marshes, near the northern foot of the Tian-shan, on the way from Kuldja to Urumtsi. It was shot the 18th (30th) August, 1874, by the Cossack Tchadov, a preparateur once taught by me, and then employed in a surveying party by General Kolpakowsky, Governor of Semiretchie. The measurements in the flesh, noted by Tchadov, are, 31;^ inches length, 32 expanse, from skin, tail 15^, wing 9"8.
I am uncertain whether a female, with remains of nest-plu- mage, shot by the same man about a week earlier, near Lake Ebe-nor, belongs to this species or P. mongoUcus, being shot at the very limit of the range of both. On superficial com- parison it showed no difference whatever from the latter. Not
new Central- Asiatic Birds. 493
having my whole collection at hand for a closer comparison, I do not describe this female without identifying it with greater certainty. The following is a short comparative dia- gnosis of all the Pheasants met with from the northern slopes of the Tian-shan to the Caspian : —
1. Fhasianus seniitorquatus. Capite et coUo atris, opacis,
apicibus plumarum nitide viridibus ; collari albo imperfec- tissimo, ex aliquot singulis plumis colli, versus scajjulas, albo apicatis ; corpore toto Isete rufescenti-castaneo ni- tore ubique viridi ; apicibus plumarum pectoris latis, an- gustissinie nigro marginatis ; teetricibus alse carpalibus et cubitalibus tricoloribus, argenteo-cano-caerulescentibus et nigricante diluteque fulvescente centratis : uropygio me- tallice viridi ; rostro crasso, robusto. Mongolia meridionalis, prope mont. Tianshan, versus ori- entem a laeu Ebe-nor.
2. Phasianus mongolicus. Capite et collo metallice viridibus,
gula obscure purpurea, nitore aliquot cupreo ; collari lato, toto albo, gula interrupto ; corpore toto loete cas- taneo-rufo, metallice nitente, nitore partim viridi, partim purpureo,lateribusrubescenti-aurco; plumis pectoris latis, solo apice anguste nigro marginatis; iugluvie unicolori, apicibus nigris luillis ; teetricibus carpalibus et cubitalibus unicoloribus, argenteo-albicantibus ; uropygio purpuras- centi-viridi, unicolori vel tenue canescente fasciolato : rostro valido. Ad fl. laxartem, in vallibas magis occidentalibus montium Tian-shan, et prope lacus lassyk-kul ; in fruticetis et aruudinetis fluviatilibus ad fl. Hi, lacus Balchasch et Ala- kul; rarius ad lac. Nor-Zaissau.
3. Phasianus chrysomelas*. Capite et collo metallice viridibus,
gula chalybeo-eyanea ; collari albo imperfeeto, ex plumis viridis, transversim albo fasciatis et maculatis; corpore toto intense rufescenti-aurantiaco, nitore metallice aureo fulgeute; plumis pectoris latis, latissime apice colore nigro, viridi nitente, marginatis ; haec nigredo ingluvie colorem aurautiacam fere obtegit ; uropygio rufo, metal- lice cupreo-purpurascente, transversim nigro faseiato ;
* I sent, in October 1874, a notice, with diagnosis, of this bird to the Society of Naturalists in Moscow, under the name P. chrysomelanos (more correctly P. chrysomclas), and am told tlie notice was printed in the ' Bulletin ' of that Society about December 1874.
2 N 3
494 Ri'ccnfjy puhlisficd Ornitholof/'tra] JVorks.
tectricilms car])alil)us ot oubitjilihiis unicoloribus, argen- too-aibis : rostro parvo, ^i-aoili. Ad tl. Oxinn iiifcrioreni collectus.
4. PJiusianvspersicus. Capitc et oollo metanioo viridibns, tor- (liic milloj lit in P. colchico ; scd albediiio alarum, ut in P. luonyolico ; pbiinis pectoris lanccolatis, toto bm])o, noii solo a])irc, tciniissinie nigro marginatis ; cait. fere ut in P. colchico, a quo alis ct pectore prtesci'tini dift'crt. In sylvis Pcrsiaj borcalis, versus marc Caspium^ vicinitate urbis Astrabad specimen unicum niilii notuin occisum, nunc in mea collectionc.
P.S. I liavc seen, in tbc collection of Mr. Gould, a speci- men termed by liirn P. monyoUcus, wbicb has the same large white collar, the same i)urplisli throat Avith rusty feather- bases, widely difl'c.'rent fi-om P. semitorquatus, l)ut resembling in the greenish general gloss and the wing-colour this last, and not the typical P. monyolicus of the Syr, collected by me in great numbers. This specimen of Mr. Gould's was received from St. Petersburg, without indication of locality, and looks, to my eyes, to be perhaps a hybrid between the two races P. mongolicus and P. semitorquatus, which meet each other near Lake Ebe-nor.
Thus P. semitorquatus requires further study, as I do not consider it definitely established from an examination of a single specimen. The same remark perhaps applies to P. persicus.
But P. chrysomelas is a species resting on constant cha- racters, as Seen by an examination of many specimens of both sexes and all ages.
XLVII. — Notices of recently 'published Ornithological Works.
Though Dr. Coucs's 'Birds of the North-west '^ would seem by its title to treat only of the birds of a limited though extensive area of North America, it includes ornithological
* Birds of tlie North-west : a haudbook of the OrnithologT of the region drained by the Missonri River and its Tribntaries. l>y Elliott Cones, Cap- tain and Assistant Snrgeou U.S. Array. 8vo, pp. 701. Washington: 1874.
liectnthj pubriii/ic'd Onutlioloijical [Vorks. 495
matter of importauce far exceeding the requirements of a simple exposition of a local fauna. One of the chief features of the work is the elaborate list of references attached to the name of each species mentioned. These are followed by a general outline of the range of the species, and a list of the specimens, if any, obtained l)y the surveying expeditions. Dr. Coues's own notes on many of the species observed by him- self are added; or when a species had not personally been en- countered by himself, extracts from other sources on the same points are given. In the latter part of the book the North- American members of the Laridte, Colymbidac, and Podici- pitidae are treated in full in the form of monographs.
Thus it will be seen that this is a work of no ordinary im- portance ; and that it is the product of a man who is no less skilful with his pen, his gun, and his scalpel will not detract from its value. In spite of all that has been written on the birds of North America, hardly a page of Dr. Coues's book but contains fresh matter of interest. Plaving said thus much in general praise of really excellent work, we trust we may be permitted to make a few remarks upon the treat- ment of the subject in several matters of detail and some of principle.
We regret to see that recent American writers almost in- variably give as the authority for the locality where a species has been procured, not the collector's name, but tua^ of the author who happened to publish the fact. How mucn science would lose in interest if the late Mr. G. R. Gray's name were given instead of Mr. Wallace's as the authority of the numberless species obtained by the latter gentleman in the islands of the Eastern archipelago ! or to take perhaps a still more patent case ; and here we are sure we are speaking Herr von Pelzeln's feelings on the subject when we raise our voice against a practice which would disassociate Natterer's name from his brilliant discoveries in Brazil. First authorities are entitled to every acknowledgment; and we are somewhat surprised to see them neglected in the point referred to by authors who are exceedingly particular that each slioidd get his full rights in connexion with the foruuition of new names or the recombination of old ones.
496 Recently published Ornithological Works.
Dr. Coues has most laboriously brought together every reference he could to the species he writes about. The list of these references in many cases makes half, and in some a whole page of closely printed text. Looking at these formi- dable lists one cannot help asking where this is to end. Are references to be repeated again and again, even when fully given in works of easy access ? The time ajjpears to us to have come when some more rigid selection should be exer- cised, and those references only given Avhich tend to throw light upon a subject under discussion. Of what use is it, for instance, to give a reference to Gray's ^ Hand-list,' when, on turning to its pages, no information beyond the name is imparted ?
It will be seen that this work has been some time passing through the press ; for Dr. Coues's introductory letter is dated 13tli May 1873, whilst the last sheet of the letterpress is signed Dec. 1874*. This doubtless accounts for some recent corrections referring to the nomenclature of American birds not having been adopted ; for instance, Mr. Ridgway's error respecting the affinity of Scojjs trichopsis, Wagler, corrected in ' The Ibis ' for last year (1874, p. 314), is repeated (p. 303), and Mr. Ridgway's determination confirmed, it is said, by an examination of the typical specimens. Not typical of S. tri- chopsis, surely ! the types of which species, if they are in ex- istence at all, are in the Museum at Wiirtzburg.
In his monograph of the North- American Laridss Dr. Coues travels over old ground, enlarging and correcting his previous essay on the same subject published in 1863. There are one or two points in nomenclature of some species from which we withhold our assent ; but otlierwise we can speak in terms of unqualified praise both of this monograph and those on Colym- bidse and Podicipitidse, which follow. As regnYdsXema f areata (why usually vfTitten fur catum we know not), the non-appear- ance of which has so long puzzled American ornithologists, the following note may throw some light on this obscure point. So far as we know, only two specimens exist in museums : —
* Mr. Ridgway tells us (Bull. Geol. & Geogr. Suit. ISio, p. 57) tliut it vvas not issued till February 1875.
Recently published Ornithological Works. 497
one, now in Paris, obtained by Neboux (who accompanied the French frigate ' Venus '), it is said, at Monterey, on the Cali- fornian coast ; tlie other, now in the British Museum, by Capt. Kcllett and Lieut. Wood, it is said, off Dab-ymplc Rock, Chatham Island, one of the Galapagos archipelago. Now it is somewhat rcmarkaljle that, of all the naturalists who have collected on the western shores of North America, only those who have also visited the Galapagos Islands (for Neboux was there) have obtained this Gull. The suggestion seems inevitable that the continental locality, Monterey, is erroneous, and that the bird is probably exclusively found in the Galapagos Islands. This is further borne out by the fact of several of Neboux^'s other localities for the birds collected by him having proved to be wrong— such as Calliste 7'uficervix, which is said to have been obtained from Guatemala, instead of Columbia or Ecuador. Mr. Saunders's suggestion, as quoted by Dr. Coues, that the bird is of arctic origin, must be taken for what it is worth, seeing that the bird has not yet been obtained in the far north. Still, even were its arctic characters established, it may yet be an inhabitant of the Galapagos Islands, where an Otaria belonging to a northern species exists and formerly abounded.
Dr. Coues, following several American ornithologists, takes the tenth instead of the twelfth edition of the ' Systema Na- turae ' of Linnaeus as the proper commencement of the pre- sent system of nomenclature, and on this basis makes several changes in old-established names. He holds that no good reason was ever given for adhering to the twelfth edition as the starting-point. To consider the latter as the perfected work of the promulgator of the binominal system, and as such to be a fitting point from which subsequent work should be added, seems a sufficient reason in itself; but it is strength- ened in no small degree, since it discountenances some at least of those changes of old names which are so disheartening to those who aim at the study of higher branches of the science than its mere alphabet, synonymy. What possible advantage can accrue from calling the Black Tern Hydroche- lidon luriformis (Linn.), Coues, instead of simply Hydroche-
498 Recently published Ornitfioloyical Works.
lidon fissipes (Linn.) ? It is true, Dr. Coues says lie hopes he will not be accused of arbitrary innovation ; but this disclaimer ■we take to be the " rhetoric of an uneasy conscience."
The system recently come into vogue amongst American writers on ornithology, of introducing names for " varieties " in addition to generic and specific names, is further carried out by Dr. Coues in this volume. But it would seem that the term ^Wariety'' is receiving a wider application, judging from the treatment of the northern and southern Stilts {Hi- mantojms) of America (p. 462)*; so that a new term will shortly be required to express still finer gradations of obser- vable differences. One thing seems certain respecting this system, viz. that it tends to " polynominalism ^ — a doctrine openly preached by Dr. Coues, but not as yet practised, but yet a doctrine, so far as trinominalism is concerned, to which he has actually converted Mr. Ridgway, who, in a recent paper, puts the system in practice.
The Birds of Prey have during the last two years come in for an unusual amount of attention. In 1874 both Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway^s volumes on North- American birds, in which these birds were, so far as North America is concerned, fully treated, and Mr. Sharpens ' Catalogue of Birds,' vol. i., containing Accipitres, saw the light. But the energy ex- pended in these volumes does not seem by any means to be exhausted ; for Mr. Ridgway has recently sent us ' Outlines ' of what professes to be a natural arrangement of the Fal- conidse, extracted from the * Bulletin of the United-States Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories,' June 10, 1875.
The arrangement adopted by Mr. Ridgway is nearly that of Professor Huxley (P. Z. S. 1867, p. 415) ; and the charac-
* H. hrasiliensis is put (with a query, it is true) as a '' variety " of //. nigricollis ;. but not a word do we read of intermediate examples. Con- cerning the former, Dr. Coues says that Messrs. Sclater and Salvin omit to state in their paper (P. Z. S. 1873, p. 454) that the black of the neck in H. hrasiliensis is separated from that of the back by a white interval. He cannot have read the diagnosis of this species as given in that paper, where attention is expressly drawn to this character.
Recently published Ornitholoijical Works. 499
tci's there shown to exist in the way in which the ends of the coracoid, clavicle, and scapula meet, are further investigated ; and two subfamilies are formed, Falconinae and Buteoninae, chiefly vipon the fact of the scapular process of the coracoid meeting the scapula or stopping sliort of it when the clavicle is thrust in between these bones. This arrangement places in close contact the Polyhori, Falcones, Micrastures, and Her- petotheres, birds widely distinct in many other respects — so much so, that we feel strongly disposed to doubt the value Mr. Ridgway places upon these characters in a primary sense.
Be this as it may, we are still of opinion that Mr, Ridg- way's treatment of his subject is the right one; for he seems disposed to bring all available characters to bear iipon it. We wish we could share his confidence in submitting his arrangement as really a natural one in outline ; but when the value of characters has to be considered, be they genetic or analogical, we cannot contemplate any such finality. Mr. Ridgway has a paragraph on the importance of distin- guishing between these two classes of characters, which can- not be impressed too forcibly ; but there is a mental tendency, of which Mr. Ridgway appears to have his full share with the rest of us, to regard the selected characters in a classi- fication as genetic, and the rejected as analogical. We are not sure that Ave appreciate the full meaning of the paragraph referred to, when read by the light of the examples. One thing seems certain, that the word '' mimicry,^' as applied to Pandiones and Haliaeti, is used in a sense quite different from that in which it is employed by Mr, H. W. Bates in his now celebrated article (Trans. Linn. Soc. xxxiii. p. 495). There is, we believe, one notable case of true mimicry in Brazilian Hawks of the genera Accipiter and Harpagus, Avhere the Sparrow- Hawk A. pileatus wears the exact garb of the insect- eating Harpagus diodon. Mr. Wallace has already alluded to this instance of mimicry amongst birds, to which we be- lieve we first called his attention {of. Wallace, ' On Natural Selection,' p. 107).
Mr. Ridgway is a little hard upon the systems of his
500 Recently published Ondtholoyical PVorks.
predecessors over the same ground. We are uot disposed to enter the lists in their defence, as they are fully cajjable of defending themselves ; but it must be borne in mind tliat the materials at the disposal of European ornithologists, at least of many of them, though not perhaps including specimens of single si^ecies by tens and hundreds, still cover more ground and are far more complete than any thing yet amassed in America. Conclusions based on such material are deserving of great consideration ; and, alx)ve all things in questions involving what must for a long time to come be matters of opinion, any thing like dogmatic criticism had best be avoided.
Besides the previously mentioned paper, Mr. Ridgway has sent us two others upon Accipitres, both published in the Proceedings ' of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phila- delphia (pp. 78-119, 1875?). The first relates to Accipiler (or, as here called, Nisus) cooperl and A. yundlachi. The latter bird, of which we have never seen specimens, Mr. Ridg- way considers to be a species distinct from the former. ]\Ir. Lawrence^s original description is reproduced and its correct- ness indorsed in the present paper.
The second of these papers is ^' on the Buteouine subgenus Ci'axirex, Gould." In it the American species of Biiteo arc divided into two subgenera — one being distinguished by having four primaries '^emarginated" on their inner webs, whilst the other has only three. To the former Buteo vul- garis belongs ; to the latter all the South- American Buzzards, except B. abbreviatus, B. mmutus, and B. brachyurus, but in it two northern species also, B. swainsoni and B. pennsyl- vanicus, are included.
Great stress is laid upon the importance of this character ; but when we consider the similar case of the Harriers {Circus), of certain Humming-birds, of the rectrices of certain Snipes, and other instances which will readily suggest themselves, we cannot but think that this character is, in some of the birds grouped under the name Craxirex, only one of analogy. We cannot think that Buteo vulgaris is more nearly related to B. brachyurus than it is to B. swainsoni ; yet this is what Mr. Ridgway would have us believe. The dillerent plumages in
Recently published Ornithological Works. 501
which 5. 5W«ew5om presents itself are fully described; and very various they arc. This bird a few years ago was very im- perfectly understood ; now, however, the contrary may be said, due chiefly to the labours of American ornithologists, and espe- cially to the large series of specimens so industriously brought together by the authorities of the Smithsonian Institution.
Another paper of Mr. Kidgway's treats of a favourite sub- ject of his, the genus Leucosticte, and, we may add, exhaust- tively; for, judging from the extent of the materials at his command, numbering some hundreds of specimens, little must remain to be said of the relationship existing between the American members of the genus. Of the Old- World species of Leucosticte little is said beyond referring them to a new subgenus, Hijpolia (a name introduced, after a growing prac- tice among ornithologists, in a foot-note, without formal cha- racters) . Four American species of this genus are now recog- nized, viz. L. atrata, L. tepJirocotis, L. ausiralis, and L. brun- neinucha ; of these the second is subdi\dded into three varieties or races — L. tephrocotis, L. littoralis, and L. griseiniccha. Specimens of Leucosticte a few years ago were considered amongst the rarities of a collection ; but this can scarcely be said to be the case now. Mr. Ridgway tells us of a collector who pursued a flock of these birds, killing fifteen and twenty at a shot, till he had killed 350; a friend followed him about with a board, upon which the bodies of the slain were laid. We can only hope that these all came under Mr. Ridg- way's eye, and helped him to form his conclusions.
Colonel Irby^s book* is one that will bear favoui'able com- parison, to say nothing more, with any work of the kind that has of late appeared, and is a very welcome addition to orni- thological literature. Its author must be already well known to our readers from his " List of Birds observed in Oudh and Kumaon,^^ pubHshcd long ago in these pages (Ibis, 1861, p. 217) ; and ' The Ornithology of the Straits of Gibraltar '
* The Ornithology of the Straits of Gibraltar. By Lieut.-Colouel L. Howard L. Irby, F.Z.S. &c. London (Porter, (5 Tenterden Street) : 1876, 8vo, pp. 236.
502 Recently published Ornithological Works.
will not fail to add to his reputation as an excellent observer. His notes arc j ust of the right kind^ and are not overladen by any extraneous matter. For the northern sides of the Straits he depends almost entirely on his own resources^ gathered during his more or less prolonged stay at " the Rock " be- tween 1868 and 1874; but with respect to the southern side, his information, he tells us, is chiefly drawn from a MS. of the late Franyois Favier, the collector, who resided more than thirty years at Tangier, which MS. Col. Irby obtained at an exorbitant price. In both cases he has also availed him- self of the various papers by Lord Lilford, Mr. Saunders, and the late Mr. Tyrwhitt-Drake, which have appeared in ' The Ibis.^ We consequently have in this volume about as good an account of the ornithology of the Straits as could at present be composed, though our gallant friend assures us, and no doubt with truth, that '' there is ample room, for any one with energy, to work out a great deal more information " on their birds.
As most of our readers will doubtless possess themselves of Col. Irby^s book, we need not do more than refer to a few points in it that seem especially to deserve notice in these pages. He condemns as "apocryphal" (p. 61) the story which, originating with Favier, was first published in ' The Ibis^ (1862, p. 27), as to the interbreeding of Asia cupensis and A. acc/pitrinus, remarking that, so far as his observation goes, the latter is only a winter resident in Andalueia, where it is not very abundant, and accordingly its breeding, even when tempted by a tawnier partner, so far south as INIoroceo is not very likely. Oologists have long vaguely talked of the tame Cursorius gallicus which used to lay eggs, to the no small profit of its owner, at Tangier. We are glad to have its his- tory here given (p. 157) in detail: it seems to have laid three dozen of eggs in six years, after which it fell a victim to the war between Spain and Morocco"^. On the whole
* We may ubserve that these eg'gs, of wliicli we have seen several, do not bear out the statement made bv Mr. Ilcwitsou (Ibis, 18.5J), p. 7i*) that they are "smaller and more I'ainth coloured" than those laid by the wild bird.
Recently pvbUshed Ornithological Works. 5(J3
Col. Trby includes 335 species as certainly found on one or the other side of the Straits, besides naming 25 more as pos- sil)ly occurring there ; but he adds that '^doubtless many other species are to be found as stragglers ; and so local are birds in Southern Spain, that perhaps some may be resident, and over- looked in consequence of the exact locality they frequent having been unvisited." "VYe are sorry to see that he has fol- lowed Mr. Sharpe in the nomenclature of the diurnal birds of prey. We take this opportunity of saying that the Accipiter korschnn of S. G. Gmelin is certainly not the Falco mujrans of Boddaert, and therefore to call the Black Kite Milvuslor- schun is wrong. We must also protest against Circus cine- raceus being named C. pxjgargns. Any but the most cursory inspection of Albin's plate, on which alone, according to Mr. Sharpe (but according to no one else), Linnaeus founded his Falco pyyaryus, Avill show that it is a composite design, having been drawn from a specimen of C. cyaneus and coloured from one of C. cineraceus. The specific name pyyaryus was long ago most properly consigned to limbo ; and Mr. Sharpe did most inconsiderately in attempting its revival. In conclusion, we must remark with pleasure that Col. Irby's book is accom- panied by two useful maps ; and herein, as in many other respects, we commend his example to the authors of faunistic works.
Mr. Harting's volume on our Summer Migrants^ forms a useful addition to our home literature, and will, we doubt not, be appreciated by those who, residing in the countiy and following out-()f-dt)or pursuits, have frequent opportunities of seeing the birds ]Mr. Harting writes about in their summer quarters. Forty-nine species come under Mr. Harting's defi- nition of " summer migrants,'^ amongst which several strag- glers, such as the Rufous and Orphean Warblers, are included. The accounts of most of the species are headed by a woodcut by Bewick — the publishers (Messrs. Bickers and Son) possessing
* Our Summer MigiMiit* : an Account of tho Migi-atory Birds which pass the Summer in tlie British Islands. By .7. E. Harting, F.L.S. &c. 8 vo, pp. 330. London: 1875 (Bickers & Son).
504 Recently pub/is/ied Oriiithological Works.
many of the l)locks said to be by that well-known engraver. These will doubtless help the uninitiated reader to some extent to make out the species ; but where no cuts are given, such per- sons will have some difFculty in recognizing the birds they see. Mr. Ilarting's notes give the chief outlines of the distribution of each species ; and throughout the work references are freely given to aid those who Avould look further into this subject. On the whole ]Mr. Harting's remarks concerning the affinities of the different species appear to us to be sound ; but there are a few to which we would take exception. The association of the Swifts and Swallows in one family^ Hirundinida, though one of old standing, has been, we think, successfully called in question of late years. To say that the peculiarities of the Swifts as compared with the SwalloAVS are rightly ex- pressed by placing the former in the genus Cypselus, and the latter in Hii'undo, falls far short of giving the proper value to the real differences between these birds, similar as they are in oiitward appearance. A family, Cypsclidae, to contain the Swifts, is at least conceded by all good systematists ; and we think that they are best placed in an order, Macrochires, separate from the Passeres, to which the Hirundinidce un- doubtedly belong.
Then, again, Mr. Harting, after detailing many of the pecu- liar external features of the Wryneck, gives his opinion that it is best placed as a connecting link between the Woodpeckers and the Cuckoos. He lays far too great stress upon the form of the tail, forgetting that the Picumni of the Old and New Worlds have soft tails destitute of the pointed shafts of the true Woodpeckers. We believe that the genus Yunx must be associated with the Pici, and noAvhere else.
Several pages are devoted to the habits of the Cuckoo ; and theories advanced res]3ecting the reproduction of this bird are gone into. Mr. Harting has some difficulty in accepting Professor Newton^s explanation of the mode in Avhich an here- ditary tendency is acquired by the Cuckoo to seek the nests of certain birds wherein to deposit its egg. His difficulty lies in his expecting too much from the words '' successfully deposited." All that seems to be required by a Cuckoo to
Recently published Ornithohf/iral Works. 505
maintain an hereditary liahit of seeking the nests of particular species wherein to deposit its egg^ is a knowledge where to look for a nest. The bird that has an egg to deposit, and can easiest find a nest where to put it, gives an advantage to its offspring not shared by a bird less skilled in finding nests. Hence the success lies in finding a suitable nest, and nothing beyond it, and no subsequent anxiety on the part of the parent need be exercised.
We are not told in what system the species are arranged in sequence; but to our eye the Swifts, Nightjar, Cuckoo, Wryneck, Hoopoe, come a little out of place between the Swallow and the Golden Oriole.
But we have no wish to pick holes in this book of Mr. Harting's, which deserves every success.
The first number of the new edition of Layard^s ' Birds of South Africa "*, which has been announced some time, reached us too late to do more than mention its appearance in our last nimiber. It contains the Birds of Prey nearly to the end of the Owls. In form this edition is very different from the first, being larger in size and printed in larger type and on better paper. There are also considerable alterations in the body of the work. The short descriptions in the first edition, giving an outline of the ordinal, family, and generic charac- ters, are here entirely suppressed, and the sole descriptive part of the new edition applies to the discrimination of species. The synonymy too, brief and imperfect as it was, is also en- tirely cut out in the present work, as are also the native names. It may well be questioned whether Mr. Sharpe, in making these important changes, has exercised a wdse discretion. One of the functions of such a work as this, and perhaps the most important one, is to assist colonists and travellers in determining the birds that come under their notice ; and the omission of all the more salient landmarks to help them on their way must necessarily render the task of correctly de-
* The Birds of South Africa. By E. L. Layard, F.L.S. &c. New edition, thoroughly revised and augmented by R. Bowdler ISharpe, F.L.S. &c. Part I. 8vo. London : May 1875 (Quaritch).
506 Recently jjuhlished Oniithological Works.
tcrmining the species more diffieult. It is true that the generic descriptions in the first edition were most of them taken from Gray and Mitchell's ' Genera of Birds/ and doubt- less require considerable revision to bring them up to the standard of the present time ; but "vve maintain that any cha- racters not actually incorrect, in such a work as the ' Birds of South Africa/ would be preferable to none, and we regret their omission. As regards the synonymy, we think that references to all works actually referring to the district treated of should have been given, and at least to the great works of Le Vaillant and Sir A. Smith. Instead, all references are struck out, with the exception of a single one to some illus- tration. To those working at home, and having books at hand, this is of comparatively small consequence ; but the wants of the colonist have, we fear, been overlooked, and this we can- not but regret.
"When we come to the additions made to the account of the distribution of the diflFerent species, we see the amount of progress that has been made in our knowledge of South- African birds j and here the new edition contrasts, as might be expected, very favourably with the first.
The nomenclature employed is that used in the ' Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum;' and many of the descrip- tions are copied verbatim from that work — those of the " Fal- cones'' from the volume already published, those of the '' Striges " from the second, now, we believe, in the press. As this great work will, at its present rate, take perhaps twenty years to complete, some other plan for references must be adopted as the ' Birds of South Africa ' passes be- yond the Owls.
The work is to be completed in six parts, to " be finished in the course of the summer.'' The summer is now already far spent, and Part I. is all that we have seen.
The scope and object of Dr. Bree's ' Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles " ^, the appearance of the first
* A History of the Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles. By Charles Ilobert Bree, M.D. &c. Second edition, enlarged. "N'ol. I. Large 8vo. London : 1875 (George Bell & Son).
Recently published Ornitholoyical Works. 507
volume of a second edition of which we now record, having been very fully discussed in the first volume of this Journal (Ibis, 1859, pp. 81-99), it is needless for us to enter upon them again. That a second and enlarged edition is called for, is proof of itself of the success of Dr. Bree's endeavours to promote the study of European birds, upon which he may be fairly congratulated.
While thus we sympathize with the aim of this work, we heartily wish it was in our power to accord our approval of the manner in which the execution of it has been carried out.
More is naturally expected of a second and enlarged edition of a book like the present — greater accuracy, and, on the whole, a firmer grasp of the subject ; but in the present case we de- tect no such signs of a progressive knowledge at all com- mensurate with the requirements of the subject, which has during the last few years advanced with rapid strides. There is a self-satisfaction about the tone of Dr. Bree's book which has doubtless stood sadly in his way, and prevented his ac- quii'ing that knowledge of contemporary ornithologists and their writings which is absolutely necessary for the due per- formance of his task.
Take, for instance, his remarks in the preface upon the *' confusion that has arisen in late years from the persistent habit of changing long-established names in obedience to some real or assumed priority existing one hundred or one hun- dred and fifty years ago.^' It seems almost incredible that a writer on ornithology at the present day should use the words " one hundred and fifty years ago " in connexion with the laws laid down in the ' Rules of Zoological Nomenclature ;' but is not the conclusion forced upon us, that an author who uses such words must be very ill informed respecting this intricate and important subject ?
As regai-ds Dr. Breeds knowledge of contemporary writers we find him almost equally wanting. At page 58, Dr. Bree says that he wrote to Prof. Blasius for information respecting Accipiter sphenurus, and was surprised to receive no answer to his letter. He appears to be ignorant of that distinguished naturalist's death in May 1870 (Ibis, 1870, p. 448). Again
SEK. III. VOL. V. 2 O
508 Recently published Orniihologicul Works.
(p. 39), tlie editor of this Journal is mistaken for Mr. ¥. H. Salvin, one of the authors of the ' Falconry of the British Isles,^ and vice versa !
Weliave no space to enter upon the numerous shortcom- ings in Dr. Breeds book ; but such statements as the following afford some evidence as to how far our available knowledge has been draw'n upon to bring this second edition up to the mark : —
We are told that " very little, if any thing, is known of the liabits and nidification of the Lanner " (p. 35). We beg to refer Dr. Bree to Mr. J. PI. Cochrane's article in 'The Ibis ' for 1864, Mr. Tristram's remarks (ibid. 1865, p. 256), also to Mr. E. C. Taylor's note (ibid. 1867, p. 52), and IMr. C. Farman's remarks (ibid. 1868, p. 411).
All notices of the breeding of Falco sacer are passed over in silence; yet surely there is no lack of information lying ready to Dr. Bree's hand. Concerning F. eleonortB we have the same complaint to make ; for, so far as Dr. Bree is con- cerned. Dr. Kruper might never have written his exhaustive article on this species (J. fiir Orn. 1864, pp. 1-23).
Two additional species are introduced into the European fauna in this volume, the " Striated Eagle " and Aquila cul- leni, Bree. The status of neither of these birds can be said to be very satisfactory. The former we have little doubt is the young of Aquila heliaca, Dr. Cullen's Tartar notwith- standing. Aquila culleni is based upon a living bird now in the Zoological Gardens at Antwerp. It must be here re- marked that Dr. Bree has never seen this specimen, nor has any ornithologist examined it critically, except his corre- spondent, Professor Van den Nest, who thought it was Aquila naevioides till Dr. Bree persuaded him it was not.- Now, as Dr. Bree could not take the Secretary of the Zoological Society's excellent advice, and study the Eagles in the Regent's Park, which were, after several years' con- finement, changing their young striated plumage for their adult dress, it was hardly to be expected that he should visit the Antwerp Gardens to see the supposed new Aquila culleni If he had done so, he might have given us his
Recently published Ornithological Works. 509
personal observations on the valne of a " degagee air " and *' silence in confinement " as specific characters : he would, too, have been able to test the correctness of the drawing op- posite page 92, in which Aquila culleni is represented with the nostril pointing /or i^arc?* and downwards, instead of the reverse, as is the case with all Eagles we have seen in which the nostril was not round. Indeed we believe that the form of nostril shown in the sketch has hitherto only been seen in some of the American Polybori of all known Accipitres. Dr. Bree's apparent unconsciousness of the peculiarity of this cha- racter, and the introduction of such characters as '^ silent in confinement," was hardly to be expected after the solemn sentence in the preface in which he laments the absence of a sound knowledge of comparative anatomy displayed by so many of our ornithologists !
We think Dr. Bree has been unfortunate in his printer ; for it has seldom been our lot to encounter so many misprints, which disfigure nearly every page of the volume before us.
These and other defects, which we cannot here allude to, render the second edition of the ' Birds of Europe ' a work that must be trusted with care. The extremely low price of the work place it within the easy reach of many ; but ac- curacy is even more essential than cheapness, and we again regret that the requisite care on the part of the compiler has not been expended so as to combine the two.
In Part I. Number 2, of Mr. Rowley's ' Ornithological Miscellany'^, the author continues his essays on the birds of New Zealand, and lays before his readers a plate of the rare White-faced Owl [Sceloglaux albifacies), drawn by Mr. Keu- lemans from living specimens in the author's possession. The second plate represents the White Gallinule, or Por- phyrio, formerly in Bullock's celebrated collection, whence it passed into that of Lord Derby, and afterwards to the Liverpool Museum, where it now remains, Mr. Rowley, being unable to associate it with any other known species of
* Ornithological Miscellany. By Georgo Dawson Rowley, M. A. Parti, No. 2, and Part II. No. 2. Platen, 4vo. London : 1875.
2 o 2
510 Recently jjubliahed Ornithological Works.
Porphrjrio, has bestowed upon it the name of Porphyrio stanleyi. That this specimen is distinct from the true Gal- linula alba of White and Latham we fully believe ; and if it be not an albino variety of P. melanonotus, Mr. Rowley had no choice but to act as he has done. It is strange that^ though former voyagers not unfrequently speak of these white Gal- linules as existing in Lord Howe's and Norfolk Islands, no specimens have reached us in recent times. AVe know of no other specimens in existence but the one now figured by Mr. Rowley and the specimen in the Vienna Museum, to which we had occasion to refer in a former volume of this Journal (Ibis, 1873, p. 295, pi. x.). Mr. Rowley has done good service in figuring this bird, which, be it what it may, is of higli interest^ both historically and in a more strictly scientific point of view.
In Part II. No. 2 (No. 1 we do not see), Mr. Rowley writes on British birds, and brings forward many notes, which a long residence in a very favourable district for ob- servation of the straggling and migratory birds to our shores has enabled him to collect together. The subjects treated of are so numerous, and the matter so varied, that we hope to be excused going into any details on this part of Mr. Rowley^s labours, we can only recommend our readers to consult for themselves Mr. Rowley^s pages, wherein will be found not a few of the soluble and insoluble problems appertaining to a study of bird-life discussed.
Mons. Mulsant^s work on the Trochilidse*, of which we have had to speak on several occasions (see Ibis, 1874, p. 453, and antea, p. 265), continues to make satisfactory progress. We have received two more Livraisons, which make half the second volume. Four plates accompany each part, but do not correspond to the text, being issued in advance of it. One of these represents Lophornis adorabilis, which M. Mulsant ap- pears to contemplate placing in a new genus {Dialia), as the
* Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-M ouches ou Colibris constituant la famille des Trochilides. Par E. Mulsant et feu Edouard Verreaux. 4to. T. ii. Livr. 1 & 2. Lyons : 1875.
Recently published Ornithological Works. 511
plate iu question is lettered Dialia adorabilis. We believe that the ]\1S. of this work is far advanced towards completion. In its preparation M. Mulsant has spared no pains to bring it up to our knowledge of the present day. Only recently he spent several weeks in London, with the object of examining critically the collections in this metropolis.
Mr. Hume has brought his ' Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds ' to a conclusion by the issue of the third and final part, of which we spoke in April last {antea, p. 265). The whole book contains 662 pages of closely printed matter. Though ' Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds ' is stated to be but a " rough draft," it will be of great use to ornithologists in India; and we have little doubt that the notes which Mr. Hume invites will greatly add to the completeness of the re- issue of the work that is contemplated within a year. The amount of information contained in its pages is very great ; but the general omission of references makes it difficult to distinguish between reprinted and fresh matter. An index to the contemplated reissue would add considerably to the utility of this book as a work of reference.
The incomplete state in which the ' Zoology of the Voyage of the Erebus and Terror ' has remained for so many years, has long been a matter of regret ; so that a further, and, we fear, final, contribution towards the completion of the account of the zoology of this voyage cannot but be welcomed witli pleasure. It has long been known that a considerable number of plates had been drawn in addition to those actually published. Their purchase of the late Dr. J. E. Gray by Mr. Janson led the latter gentleman to obtain the cooperation of several naturalists connected with the British Museum to furnish suitable text to the plates referred to ; and these contributions have been issued in the form of supplements to the parts published now more than thirty years ago. The ornithological portion is from the pen of Mr. R. B. Sharpe, who, in follow- ing out the late Mr. G. R. Gray's idea of making his contri- bution an account of the birds of New Zealand, has gi\'en a
513 Letters, Announcements, ^c.
complete list of the birds of that colony, and incorporated into it references to the most recent authorities on its birds. A few notes are added to complete the history of some of the species.
Besides the birds of New Zealand, ten species from localities in the Southern Ocean other than New Zealand are men- tioned separately, plates of all of them being given. Two of these were published long ago. The remaining eight are all from Mr. Wolf's pencil. The colouring of these, we regret to sec, is not what it shoulgl be, this work having evidently been placed in the hands of an inexperienced person.
To Mr. Jauson, the publisher, zoologists are indebted for bringing this work into its present state. Its actual comple- tion is now no longer possible ; for numerous drawings by Dr. Hooker, and the mass of materials collected by Sir James Ross himself, remain unnoticed. The former still exist in Dr. Hooker's possession ; but the latter, we understand, have long since perished from neglect. A less ambitious aim at its outset in the scope of the ' Zoology of the Erebus and Terror ,■* might have brought all these materials to light, to the exclusion, perhaps, of such portions of the work as the ' Birds of New Zealand / still we should have had a record of objects far less accessible at the present time than much that is included ; moreover the contents of the work would have strictly answered to its title, which, as they stand, they do not.
XLVIII. — Letters, Announcements, ^c.
The following letters, addressed " To the Editor of ' The Ibis,' " have been received : —
Sir, — On examining the collection of nocturnal Accipitres, in the Australian Museum, with a view to their classification, I noticed, under the name of Strix delicatula, a fine speci- men of Sti'ix Candida, of Tickell, which had been shot near Sydney; but when, or by whom, is not mentioned. The fa- cial rufl' and disk of this specimen are of a snowy white, ex-
Letters, Announcements, l^c. 513
cept a small spot of blackish chocolate-colour in front of the eye ; the ruff is without any of those markings mentioned by ]Mr. Diggles as occurring in his Strix walleri, which is pro- bably identical with the present species {S. Candida). Our specimen, moreover, has only a wash of buff in the form of a band across the chest, but well defined, the remainder of the under surface white-spotted, as in Mr. Gould^s figure.
I believe this is the second or third authentic instance of this species being found in Australia, and is interesting as showing its great range of habitat.
Yours truly,
Edward P. Ramsay. Curator. Aust. Mus., May 10, 1875.
Sir, — As there has been some doubt respecting the true Sylvia rama, Sykes, some of the Indian naturalists believing it to be the small-billed bird [Hypolais caligata), whereas others consider that he described the large-billed form, it may be of interest to inform your readers that I have carefully examined the types, a male and a female from the Dukhun, and that I have convinced myself that both undoubtedly belong to the large-billed form. These two birds, wliicli are now in the Indian Museum at South Kensington, measure as follows : —
Culmen. Wing. Tail. Tarsus,
in. in. in. in.
J 0-6 2-42 215 0-82
$ 0-G 2-38 2-1 0-85
I carefully compared them with examples from Etawah and South-eastern Russia, and find that the bill is as wide at the base as in any of the large-billed birds from India. It is therefore satisfactory to find that the large-billed bird will stand as Hypolais rama (Sykes), and the smaller one as Hy- polais caligata (Eversm.).
I may also take the present opportunity of recording an undoubted occurrence of the Eastern Golden Plover, Chara- di'ius fulviis, in Great Britain. In December last Mr. Bid-
514 Letters, Announcements, ^c.
wellj a gentleman who visits Leadenhall market regularly, to pick up specimens of rare birds and eggs at the game-dealers' shops, told me that he had seen an odd variety of the Golden Plover. I immediately went to the market, and found amongst a lot of Golden Plovers from Norfolk the specimen in question. It was badly damaged, and having been kept in the shop during mild weather for ten days, it had already become tainted, so that it was only with the greatest difficulty that it could be preserved ; but I have succeeded in getting it made into a passable skin. It closely resembles examples of Charadrius fulvus from Asia, and has most of the feathers on the upper parts margined with yellow. It measures, cuhnen 1"1 inch, wing 6*0, tail 2*3, tarsus 1'6, middle toe and claw 1"05. I preserved the sternum, and gave it to Professor Newton, of Cambridge, soon after I procured the bird ; but having been so closely occupied during the last few months, I have, up to the present time, omitted to place the occur- rence of this rare European Plover on record.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours truly,
H. E. Dresser. The Firs, South Norwood, June 1875.
Sir, — Finding only, as far as I can discover, one weU- authenticated instance of the Tufted Duck (F. cristata) breed- ing in Great Britain (Yarrell, 3rd ed. vol. iii. p. 354), it will, I am sure, interest many to know that last week I saw two fine broods, eight young birds in each, on Butterston Loch, one of the three lochs so well known in this neighbourhood. They were just newly hatched ; and their diving was so in- cessant that it was some time before I could count them. For the last two seasons I have suspected them of breeding here, having seen the old birds late on in the summer. There are several other pairs of these Ducks on the loch now, and I have no doulit most of them are breeding. The lochs are, and most likely always will be, strictly preserved ; so I have
Letters, Announcements, ii^c. 515
no hesitation in making known the breeding-place of one of our rarer summer visitors.
I remain^ &c. &c.,
A. B. Brooke. 10th July, 1875. Cardney, Dunkeld, N.B.
Dear Sir, — My late colleague, Mr. Sharpe, in his ' Cata- logue of Accipitres/ amongst other alterations of well-known names, changes that of the Lesser Kestrel to Cerchneis nau- manni (Fleisch.), on the authority of a footnote in Naumann^s Naturg. Vog. Deutschl. i. p. 318, without having had an op- portunity of consulting the original description by Fleischer, as is evident from his reference. When in Germany a short time ago, I came across the periodical referred to by Nau- mann ; and having succeeded in securing the volume contain- ing the article on the Lesser Kestrel, I therefore trust I may be permitted to make a few remarks on the subject. The periodical in question is a small 12mo popular almanack, intended for foresters and sportsmen, the title being as fol- lows— ' Sylvan, ein Jahrbuch fiir Forstmanner, Jager und Jagdfreunde/ and the editors are C. P. Laurop and V. F. Fischer, both officers in the forest department of the Grand Duchy of Baden . It contains short biographies of well-known sportsmen, articles on sporting subjects, mixed anecdotes, short poems, and a few popular notes on animals likely to in- terest a forester. The article by Fleischer is one on Montagu's Harrier and the Lesser Kestrel, and is in the issue for 1817 and 1818 (pp. 173-176), which were published together late in 1818, or eai'ly in 1819; for I find that ' Sylvan' appeared some- what irregularly, and in many instances two years' issue were published at the same time. The article in question is in the form of a letter, and though, as above stated, it was not pub- lished until 1818 or 1819, bears date "Leipzig, autumn 1817," Fleischer states that in a letter from Temmiuck he had heard of a new Hawk, which he proposed should be called Falco naumanni, in honour of Naumann, and which, he adds (p. 175), was ''first discriminated by Natterer, of
516 Letters, Announcements, S^c.
Vienna^ who called it F. xanthonyx, or the Yellow-clawed Falcon," but that, as the Red-legged Hobby has also yellow claws, he considers this name inappropriate. Fleischer then gives a few particulars as to the distinctive characters of the bird in question ; but, as he possessed no specimen, he gives no formal description, and, unless one were aware that it is the same species that is described by Naumanu, it would be scarcely possible to identify it by the particulars given by Fleischer. He adds (p. 176) that Naumann, who possessed specimens, would very shortly publish full descriptions and carefully executed figures of the species ; and in a foot- note he states that the new edition of Naumann was then (1817) in the press, and that the first volume would be issued in 1818, on the Jubilee (he trusted '^der erste Baud wird hoffentlich schon Jubilate 1818 die Presse verlasscn ^^) . This would tend to show that the first volume of Naumann^s work and the 1817-1818 volume of 'Sylvan^ were issued in the same year, or else the former preceded the latter ; and it is quite evident from the footnote in Naumann's ' Naturg. Vog. Deutschl/ (p. 318), that when his work was issued the 1818 volume of ' Sylvan^ had not appeared ; for he leaves the page blank, his note being as follows : — " Cenchris. Eme- rillon roux. Der kleinste rothe Falke. Frisch, Vogel, t. 89. = Sylvan, v. Laurop und Fischer, Jahrg. 1818, S., unter dem Nahmen Falco naumanni von G. Fleischer." I further observe that this same Herr Fleischer, of Leipzig, was the publisher of Naumann's work ; and it may therefore be taken for granted that he would have been able to fill in the page, had his article in ' Sylvan ' already appeared in print : and, besides, his statement that the first volume of Naumann's work would appear in 1818 was most probably correct; for he, as the publisher, would be the most likely person to know this.
On looking through one of the later volumes of ' Sylvan,' I find it incidentally stated that in and previous to 1821, the first part, containing numbers 1-7, and the second part as far as the 4th number, of Naumann's work, had already been issued, which shows that, although the title-page of the com-
Letters, Announcements, l^c. 517
plete volume i. bears date 1822^ yet a large portion was issued in parts previous to that date ; and I also observe that the in- troduction to this volume bears date September 1818, when, doubtless, the first portion of the work was issued.
Under these circumstances I am sure that most ornitholo- gists, Mr. Sharpe amongst the rest, will agree with me that, as it is tolerably evident that Fleischer's and Naumann's articles were published about the same time, and it is impos- sible to say which was issued first, it is not advisable to adopt a name which has never been in use on such trivial grounds, and that Naumann's name, cenchris, should be retained, and that of naumanni discarded, for the Lesser Kestrel.
I remain.
Yours, &c.,
H. E. Dkesser.
G Tenterdeu Street, W.
14th August, 1875.
Northrepps, 4tli September, 1875.
Sir, — Mr. Edward Fountaine, of Easton, in Norfolk, whose success in breeding the European Eagle-Owl in confinement was recorded in ' The Ibis ' for 1859 (p. 273), and has been continued with very little intermission since that period, has more recently turned his attention to breeding the Snowy Owl under similar conditions.
A female Snowy Owl in Mr. Fountaine^s aviary laid one egg in 1870, four in 1871, four in 1872, one in 1873, three in 1874, and five in 1875, forming a slight hollow in the ground in the corner of the aviary, which served her for a nest.
In 1872 she laid her first egg on the 1st June ; but in each of the other five years she commenced laying on the 30th May.
On each occasion she was paired with the same male, ex- cept in 1873, when Mr. Fountaine tried the experiment of putting another male with her instead of her former mate ; but he reinstated the latter in his previous position in the spring of 1874.
518 Letters, Announcements, S^c.
All the eggs thus produced proved infertile prior to 1874, in which year the three eggs were each found to contain a young bird, but were not hatched in consequence of the old female deserting them on the 2nd July, probably owing to the great heat then- prevailing, and to the circumstance of her not being furnished with water, with which she was con- stantly supplied, and which she frequently used both for bathing and drinking, during her incubation of 1875.
Her first egg of the present year, which was laid on the 30th May, was successfully hatched on the 1st July; the second egg was hatched on the 3rd, the third on the 6th, the fourth on the 8th, and the fifth on the 9th ; but in this last instance the young bird, unfortunately, died before its emer- gence from the egg was fully completed.
The young Owls, when first hatched, were covered with pure white down, and continued in that state for about the first fortnight ; but the one hatched on the 8th July unfortu- nately died on the 14th.
On the 15th July Mr. Fountaine noticed that the down on the eldest of the young Owls w^as beginning to assume a dark lead-coloured tint ; and by the 19th the three surviving Owlets had all changed from white to dark lead-colour, though in many of their plumelets the extreme tips still remain slightly white.
Mr. Fountaine left home on the 23rd July; and on his return, on the 3rd of August, he observed that the young Owls were beginning to show their quills and tail-feathers ; but on the 4th the youngest of the three, in which these fea- thers had just become apparent, also died.
The remaining birds, the two eldest of the brood, have thriven well, and give promise of attaining a healthy maturity ; I visited them on the 12th of August, at which date they were in a state of plumage much resembling the nestling spe- cimen figured in Dresser's ' Birds of Europe.''
I am, &c.,
J. H. GURNEY.
Letters, Announcements, &^c. 519
Northrepps Hall, 17th Sept. 1875. SiK, — Having recently had considerable experience of Hi- rundo savigni (Steph.) in Egypt, I am able to correct a mis- take in 'The Ibis ' for 1866, p. 423, and can now say posi- tively that the Swallow shot at Teesmouth, in Durham, was pot this bird, but only our common English species.
J. H. GuRNEY, Jun.
Dunipace House, Falkirk, September 22nd.
Dear Sir, — In Mr. J. E, Harting's paper " On the Eggs of some little-known Limicolae^' (P. Z. S. 1874, p. 454), he de- scribes and figures an egg of Anarhynchus frontalis (Quoy & Gaim.), which was taken, with two others, by Mr, J. R. Cook on the Otaio river-bed, Canterbury Settlement, New Zealand. I write now to add a note to those given by the collector, which, I think, cannot fail to be of interest to the readers of ' The Ibis.' Mr. J. R. Cook has lately been staying with me here, having returned from New Zealand for a time ; and he told me that the three eggs of Anarhynchus already referred to were placed in the nest, or hollow in the sand, points down- Avards, and were almost entirely concealed by being covered with sand and lichen until only the large ends of the eggs were left exposed. The eggs were placed not with the small ends pointing towards one another, but absolutely in a perpen- dicular position ; and of this he took particular note. In his notes sent to me along with the eggs, he had underlined the words " point downward." It would be interesting to know if this is a usual habit, or only an accidental occurrence.
Believe me, &c. &c.,
John A. Harvie Brown.
33 Carlyle Square, S.W.
22nd September, 1875.
Dear Sir, — I have just heard from Mr. Dresser, stating that my " Turdus chrysopleurus, figured in last year's ' Ibis,' is Turdus pelios of Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av." He says that Mr. Severtzoff pointed it out to him, and said that Dr. Ta-
520 Letters, Announcements, S^c.
czanowski has a series of specimens from Dam'ia, where it is not very rare. Mr. Dresser referred to Bonaparte's descrip- tion, and adds, " it agrees tolerably closely, and is, according to Severtzoff, a description of a young bird, of which Ta- czanowski has several."
However distressing it may be to have one's novelties knocked on the head, I shall be glad to learn what is the true T. pelios, Bonap. I will write at once to Dr. Taczanowski for a young specimen, and try and settle the matter at once, 1 half believe that the smallest form of T. obscurus, procured by myself at Chefoo, might turn out to be Bonaparte's doubt- ful species. I have a bird from Mr. Sharpe marked " Came- roons," Africa, and T, pelios ; but this does not at all tally with the description in the ' Conspectus Avium ' *.
Yours very truly,
Robert Swinhoe.
Letters dated Disco, 14th July, have been received from each of the naturalists, Captain Feilden and Mr. Hart, at- tached to the Arctic Expedition ; and so far all was going on well, though both ships encountered bad weather on the voyage to Greenland. Of course it was not to be expected that any ornithological wonders should be met with, or discoveries made, on the way to a place so often visited. Captain Feil- den, writing to Professor Newton, says that the subject of the dark, or '''blue," variety of Fulmarus glacialis requires a deal of investigation, but at Disco no specimen of the blue form was noticed. He had seen on the wing, near Laxebugt, an example of Uria grylle without any white feathers, and apparently of a uniform black. Such an example was long ago mentioned by Holboll as having been seen by him ; and we trust that sooner or later one may be obtained ; for it would be curious to know wherein it may differ from U. carbo. Mr. Hart says that only one specimen of Calidris arenaria
* \_Cf. Cab. J. f. Orn. 1870, p. 238, where the difference between the Central-Asiatic and African birds is pointed out, and the latter called T. icterorhynchns, Pr. Wiirt. ; also Ibis, 1871, p. 424. — Ed.]|
Letters, Announcements, &^c. "521
had been observed — a fact which does not look as if this species commonly bred in the settled parts of Greenland. We trust that our friends may find it so employed further to the north- ward, whither the ships were seen proceeding by the ' Val- orous/ which brought home these tidings.
Mr. Dresser has in preparation a reprint of Eversmann's 'Addenda ad Zoograpliiam Rosso-Asiaticam.^ The great rarity of the three fasciculi of this tract is doubtless known to most of our readers, the whole stock of copies having been burnt soon after their publication. It is now two years since Mr. Dresser first began to make inquiries for the difi'erent portions of the work ; and only recently has he succeeded in finding and procuring from different quarters the loan of all three parts, when he at once placed them in the hands of the printers. Only within the last few weeks we found a com- plete set in a volume of tracts belonging to the library of the late Hugh E. Strickland, and recently presented by Mrs. Strickland to the University of Cambridge. This is the only complete copy we know of in any library. Intending sub- scribers to Mr. Dresser^s reprint are requested to send their names to him at 6 Tenterden Street, Hanover Square.
At a meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' So- ciety, ou the 28th of September, Mr. Southwell announced the interesting discovery of ten letters, which he exhibited, written by Gilbert White, of Selborne, to Robert Marsham, of Stratten-Strawless, in Norfolk, of whose gi'cat-grandson they, having never before been out of the possession of the family, are now the property. The first of these letters, a copy of which we have been permitted to see, bears date 13th August, 1790, and the last 15th June, 1793, only a few days before the writer's death. To ornithologists the most curious fact which they reveal is the occurrence in Norfolk of an ex- ample of Tickodroma muraria — the unmistakable description of which is written by Marsham on the back of one of the letters, and seems to have been at once recognized by White. According to the evidence collected by Messrs. Sharpe and
523 Obituary.
Dresser (B. Eur. pt. viii.), this species has appeared as far to the northward as Rocroy and Osnabriick ; but that a bird of its habits should ever cross " the silver streak " could hardly have been expected, though, as is well known, Accentor col- laris has several times favoured England with a visit, and perhaps other distinguished members of the Alpine Club may have come and gone unseen. It must be a satisfaction, we think, to Prof. Newton, that he has done with the Certhiidse in his revised edition of Yarrell's work, and therefore will not have to take into consideration the claims of the Wall- creeper to be accounted a " British " bird ; but in our humble opinion eighty years and more of non-user ought to bar any rights an exotic species may fancy itself to possess ; and if they are to be enforced in this case, the sooner Tichodroma puts in an appearance, the better its chances of recognition^. Another interesting fact which these letters mention is that White was employed on a monograph of Caprimulgus euro- pcBus, as a sequel to those charming dissertations on British species of Hirundo and Cypselus which were printed in the ' Philosophical Transactions.^ Whether this monograph was ever completed we may expect to hear from Prof. Bell, when he brings out, as we are assured he shortly will, his long- looked-for edition of the ' Natural History of Selborne."
XLIX. — Obituary.
Sir William Jardine, whose death took place on the 21st Nov. of last year, belonged to a generation of ornithologists of whem but few now remain. When we consider that much of his work was done before the Zoological Society was or- ganized, and before the ' Annals and Magazine of Natural
* It is worthy of remark that Willughby states of this species, '' They say it is found in England ; but we have not as yet had the hap to meet with it." Who the " (Aey " are is doubtful, Merrett being apparently the only author who includes it as British (Pinax, 1667, p. 177), and this without remark.
'■' ' -1 ' Obituary. 523
History ' took its present form, some idea can be formed of the extent of his personal knowledge^ of the development of our science during half a century. Sir William Jardine during his life, contriljuted largely to ornithological litera- ture, both as author and editor. One of his earliest works, * Illustrations of Ornithology,' undertaken with the late P. J. Selby, was commenced in 1825, and completed in four vol- umes in ] 843. ' The Naturalist's Library,' a useful publica- tion, to which Swainson contributed several volumes, others being from Sir W. Jardine's own pen, was commenced in 1833, and continued during the following ten years. With Selby and Johnston, he edited the ' Magazine of Zoology and Botany,' which, after the publication of the second volume, was merged into the ' Annals of Natural History.' He also edited two editions of White's *■ History of Selborne,' and one of Wilson's ' American Ornithology,' supplying notes to both works. Several papers were also written by him in the ' Con- tributions to Ornithology,' of which he was the editor. In 1855 Sir W. Jardine assisted his daughter, Mrs. Strickland, in compiling -the memoir of the late H. E. Strickland, and also in editing the first volume of ' Ornithological Synonyms,' from Strickland's MS. This was his latest work ; for though he retained his interest in his collections and library to the last, he did not take the same active share in furthering the study of ornithology as formerly. During the later years of his life, however, he prepared a catalogue of his collection of birds ; and this was on the point of completion and in the printer's hands at the time of his death. Though ornitho- logy was Sir William Jardine's favourite study, he interested himself in other branches of natural science, several of which he took an active part in advancing. He was one of the original founders of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, th( first of its kind established in this country ; he also took a principal share in the discussions which led to the foundation of the Ray Society. He was a FeUow of the Royal Societies, both of London and Edinburgh, and also of many other So- cieties, both in England and Scotland.
SER. III. VOL. v.
2 p
524 Obituary.
Carl J. Sundevall, a Foreign Member of our Union^ ■whose death took place in the present year, long occupied a distinguished place amongst ornithologists of the present time. For nearly forty-five years his name has been constantly before the world in connexion with this subject, as well as others, in which he was almost equally eminent. Systematic ornithology owes much to Sundevall's industry ; and his two chief works on this subject, published, the one in 1835, the other in 1873, have largely influenced the systems of other workers. Indeed the ' Methodi naturalis Avium disponen- darum Tentamen,' will long serve as a mine of wealth to future systematists, from which characters of greater or less impor- tance in bird-classification can be derived. Sundevall, like many others of his day, based his systems of classification upon external characters alone; and for this reason his con- clusions, in many cases, have been very properly called in question when the characters of the higher groups of birds have been discussed. The belief, we are glad to say, is con- stantly gaining ground, that no arrangement can be consi- dered satisfactory until the whole organism of birds has been investigated, and the distinctive characters found brought forward to show the relationship between dififerent groups. This, however, is no reason why work like Sundevall's should be laid aside as of no use. Its true value is to be found by using in a different sense the characters shown in his pages to exist.
Other work of Sundevall's is also of high merit. His List of the Birds of Calcutta shows how well he employed a short visit to that district of India, and how ably he worked up his materials at home. Besides his journey to India, he undertook another to northern regions, when he accompanied the French " Expedition du Nord," which sailed more than thirty-five years ago under the direction of Gaimard. To the Zoology of this expedition Sundevall largely contributed.
Though thus occupied in studying the birds of various parts of the globe, the ornithology of his native land, Sweden, was by no means neglected ; and ' Svenska Foglarua,' a work in- complete at the time of his death, bears the characteristics of
Obituary. 525
Suudevall's clear and ^comprehensive style. Wc believe that the MS. of this book has long been finished, and that the fault of its slow issue from the press rests with the i)ublisher.
We cannot here give any thing like a resvnie of all the papers published by Sundevall during his long career ; but we cannot omit to mention his ' Conspectus Avium Picinarum/ which we look upon as quite one of the best works in the whole of ornithological literature. It is a masterpiece of con- ciseness and clearness, in consulting which, we do not hesi- tate to say that more light is to be derived than from Mal- herbe^s ponderous illustrated volumes, which it supplements and explains.
Sundevall was Director of the Museum of Stockholm, the building of which was reconstructed under his superinten- dence. The arrangement of the contents of this museum was elaborated with great care under his eye.
John Edward Gray, so well known for his many works on various subjects of natural history, and for his long con- nexion with the British Museum as keeper of the zoological department, Avas the author, during the early part of his career, of several works on ornithological subjects. The chief of these, ' Indian Zoology,^ was intended to make public the large collection of drawings formed by the late Major-General Hardwicke; but after about 180 of these drawings had been published, the work was discontinued. Other papers of his are to be found in the ' Zoological Miscellany,'' of which lie was the editor. Since then nothing relating to ornithology seems to have been written by Dr. Gray, he having turned his attention to other subjects, and left the study of birds to his brother, George Robert Gray, who predeceased him in 1872. Dr. Gray died on the 7th of March 1875, having just completed his 75th year.
INDEX,
Abrornie armandi, 14i. Acantbis bella, 242.
cannabina, 242.
flavirostris, 242.
linaria, 242.
Acantliylis gigantea, 280. Accentor collaris, 177,
307, 471. — — modularis, 307. Accipiterbadius, 104, 480.
bicolor, 469.
cenchroides, 104,
480.
chilensis, 469.
chionogaster, 475,
476, 477.
cirrhocephalus, 468,
475.
cooperi, 469, 470,
500. erytbrauchen, 468,
475.
erytbrocnemis, 475,
476, 477.
erytbropus, 471,
472.
francesi, 358.
fuscus, 470, 475.
gularis, 481, 482.
gundlacbi, 469, 500.
guttatus, 469.
bartlaubi, 471, 472.
korscbun, 503.
lantzii, 468, 484.
madagascariensis,
468, 484.
major, 104
melanoleiicus, 473.
melanoscbistos, 479.
mexicanus, 470.
niinuUus, 65, 468,
471, 472, 473. ■ nigroplumbeu.s!,
478. nisus, 104, 296, 366,
448, 471, 475, 477.
SER. III. VOL. V.
Accipiter ovampensis,
367, 468, 478.
pectoralis, 469.
pileatus, 469, 499.
rhodogaster, 471,
484.
rubricollis, 475.
rufiventris, 478.
sphenurus, 507.
stevensoni,482,483.
sulaensis, 484.
tacbiro, 65.
tiuus, 471, 472,
ventralis, 475, 477,
478. virgatus, 276, 468,
471, 481, 483. Acredula caudata, 180,
303.
rosea, 304.
Acridotberes albocinctus,
251.
cristatellus, 119.
niahrattensis, 322.
siaraeiisis, 463.
sinensis, 351.
tristis, 275.
Acrocepbalus aquaticus,
179, 309. arundinaceus, 72,
309.
brunnescens, 396.
certbiola, 179.
dumetorum, 275.
iluviatilis, 309.
■ locustella, 309.
luseinioides, 309.
na;vius, 309.
palustris, 72.
scbcenobanus, 309.
stentorius, .396, 412.
streperus, 309.
Actitis bypoleuca, 86, 276. Actiturus bartramius, 6,
22. Aedcm galactodes, 61,179.
^Egialitis bicincta, 453. cantiana, 26, 401,
402, 452.
curonica, 185.
dubia, 4.52.
geoffroyi, 400, 412.
hiaticula, 85.
indica, 382.
marginata, 85.
minor, 21.
mongolica, 401.
phibppensis, 452.
placida, 129, 452.
ruficapilla, 453.
sanct£e-belense, 59,
85. tricollaris, 60, 85,
382. ^gitbalus castaneus, 268. pendulinus, 268,
303. ^golius bracbyotus, 111.
otus, 112.
jEsacus curvirostris, 401. .litbopyga dabrii, 463. Aglaia cbapoul, 465. Agrilorbinus bonapartii,
214.
bumeralis, 215.
olivaceus, 216.
■ personatus, 218.
sittaceus, 204, 207.
Agyrtria media, 1 63, 165.
melipbila, 163, 165.
pboebe, 163.
Ais galericulata, 137,457. Ailuroedus arfakianus, 148.
smitbi, 378.
Alauda arborea, 311.
arvensis, 311.
bracbydactyla, 122.
calandra, 181.
cantarella, 122.
cristata, 311.
galgula, 274, 399.
pispoletta, 122.
2q
528
INDEX.
Alauda tartarica, 181. Alcatorda, 11, 186. Alcedo asiatica, 461.
beavani, 461.
bengalensis, 275.
ispida, 16, 184, 300.
meningting, 462.
rufigastra, 461.
Alcippe nigril'rons, 27.5. Alseonax latirostris, 275. Aluco flammeus, 296.
punctata, 66.
Amadina optata, 447. Amblyura cjauovirens,
441. Ampelus garrulus, 180,
302. Amydrus bicolor, 6.3, 78.
morio, 63, 64, 78.
Anteretes fernandezianus,
37(1. Aimlcippus trailli, 349. Anarliynchus frontalis,
619. Anas acuta, 5, 427.
bosckas, 16, 26, 427.
cana, 430.
eircia, 427.
clypeata, 5, 16, 142.
crecca, 5, 427.
marmorata, 430.
penelope, 427.
poecilorhyncha, 407.
querquedula, 430.
Btrepera, 16, 427.
Anastomus oscitans, 404. Andropadus importunus,
Anser albif rons, 426, 4.56.
brachyrhynchus,
456.
brenta, 426.
erythropus, 456.
ferus, 426.
segetum, 426, 456.
Anserella coromandeli-
ana, 407. Antenor harrisi, 234. Anthochrera senex, 147. Anthus, sp.? 10.
aquaticus, 449.
arboreus, 141.
campeBtris,141, 181,
311. ceiTinus, 21, 173,
181, 310, 449.
correndera, 331.
— - — japonicus, 449. ■ — — litt oralis, 311.
ludovicianu.s, 181.
pratensis, 310.
Anthus pyrrhonotus, 73.
richardi, 173, 181,
311.
rupestris, 181.
spipoletta, 181, 310,
311.
trivialis, 310.
Apalis thoracica, 71. Aplonis brevirostris, 440. Aptenodytes catarractes, 113.
papua, 112, 11.3.
Apteryx australis, 261, 394.
baasti, 261.
oweni, 261, 394.
Aquila adalberti, 2.
albipectus, 101.
bifasciata, 101.
bonellii, 35.
chrysaetus, 100, 175,
294.
clanga, 101, 294.
cuUeni, 508.
fulva, 99,
hastata, 199, 200,
201, 203.
heliaca, 100, 294,
508.
imperialis, 100.
intermedia, 100.
. minuta, 101, 102.
mogilnik, 2.
njjevia,200,201,203,
294.
nfevioides, 508.
nipalensis, 101.
nobilis, 99.
orientalis, 101.
pennata, 101, 294.
rapax, 7.
Arachnechthra asiatica, 275, 286, 31.5.
lotenia, 275.
Arachnophila simplex,
264. Arborophila brunneipec-
tus, 459. Archibuteo lagopus, 103. Ardea alba, 424.
cinerea, 10, 15, 86,
132, 403, 424.
garzetta, 425.
purpurea, 15, 142,
403, 424. Ardeola grayi, 276. Ardettacinnaraomea, 404.
eurhythma, 132,4.55.
flavicoUis, 404.
minuta, 425.
podiceps, 63, 86.
Ardetta sinensis, 404. Asio accipitrinus, 111,
176, 298, .502.
asio, 325.
• brachyotus, 377.
bubo, ,325, 326.
capensis, .502.
otus, 66, 112, 298,
325, 326, 327.
scandiaca, 325, 326.
scops, 325.
Astur approximans, 365,
468. atricapillus, 353,
354. brevipes, 104, 105,
106.
castanilius, 364.
cencJiroides, 104,
105, 106.
cuculoides, 36.5.
dussumieri, 105.
griseigularis, 468.
hensti, 353, 468.
macrosceUdes, 363,
364.
raacrurus, 234.
nisus, 104.
palumbarius, 104,
295, 353, 473.
pectoralis, 356.
polyzonoides, 468.
soloensis, 365.
striatulus, 354.
tachiro, 468.
tibialis, 362.
— — trinotatus, 364.
trivirgatus, 468.
Asturina magnirostris,
330. Athene ferruginea, 330.
meridioualis, 110.
minutissima, 330.
nudipes, 110.
orientalis, 110.
Batis molitor, 75. Batrachostomus hodg-
soni, 4.59. Baza verreauxi. 66. Bhringa reraifer, 463. Bonasa betulina, 417. Botaurus minutus, 185. stellaris, 15, 132,
425, 455. Brachvpodius criniger,
264.' Brachypternus ceylonus,
284, 410. Brachyptervx cruralis,
352'
INDEX.
■)29
Bracliyrhampliuskittlitzi,
4.38.
marmoratus, 458.
Bi-iiuta riifina, 1(5, 26. Ijubo ascalaphus, 326.
coromandus, 250.
ignaviis, 111, 298,
327.
raaximus. 111.
sinensis, 255.
turcomauus. 111.
13iicco radiatus, 330. Euchanga atra, 317, 463. cEerulesceus, 274,
288.
intermedia, 463.
leucjpygialis, 288.
Budytes cinereocapilla,
142, 310.
flavus, 20, 142.
melanocephalus, 20.
viridis, 398.
Buphaga ery throrhyncha,
77. Bupbagus comatus, 425. Buphus coromandus, 276. Butalis adusta, 75.
latirostris, 117.
sibirica, 117.
Butastur liviventer, 463. Buteo abbreviatus, 50O.
borealis, 372.
brachyurus, 500.
erytbronotus, 371-
exsul, 371, 377.
ferox, 103.
jackal, 64, 65.
lagopus, 175, 295.
leucurus, 103.
minutus, 500.
nigricans, 103.
penn8ylvauicus,500.
rufiuus, 103.
swainsoni, 372, 377,
500. vulgaris, 103, 175,
295, 500. Biitorides javanica, 404.
Caccabis cbukar, 126.
gra^ca, 9, 10.
petrosa, 5, 8, 9, 10,
35.
rufa, 5, 8, 9, 10.
saxatilis, 8, 9, 13, 35.
Cacatua galerita, 43S. Calamodyta aquatioa, 17.
arundinacea, 17.
bistrigiceps, 144.
luscinoides, 17.
luaacki. 144.
Calamodyta melanopo-
gon, 17.
phragmitis, 17.
Calandrella b;etica, 2. brachydactyla, 141,
182. Calidris arenaria, 60, 86,
424, 455, 520. Calliparaja pboenicotis,
466. Calliste bom-cieri, 464,
465.
phcenicotis, 464, 466.
ruficervix, 497.
Callolopbus puniceus,
264. Callospizacalliparaea,464. Calornis affinis, 461.
■ • cantor, 461.
insidiator, 461.
irwini, 461.
tytleri, 461.
Campephaga cassia, 76.
niger, 76.
sykesi, 275.
Campylops bumulus, 207. Campyloi'hynchus brevi-
pennis, 331. Caprimulgus accrae, 379.
segyptius, 491.
- — ■ — arenicolor, 491.
asiaticus, 281.
• borneensis, 264.
■ europ£Eus, 67, 300.
• f ulviventris, 379.
indicus, 313.
isabellinus, 491 .
jotaka, 448.
kelaarti, 314.
natalensis, 379.
spilocercus, 281.
Carbo desmaresti, 27. Carduelis canicejos, 387.
elegans, 243, 265.
europivus, 243.
—— orien talis, 243, .387. Carine bactriana, 258.
brama, 258.
glaux, 110, 111, 258.
noctua, 297.
plumipes, 258.
pulchra, 258.
spilogaster, 258.
Carpodacus erythrurus,
245, 352, 414.
rhodochlamys, 245,
roseus, 121, 183.
rubicillus, 245.
Carpopliaga a?nea, 399.
castaneiceps, 442.
pacifica, 442, 4-13.
Casarca rutila, 1.37. Catrisciis apicalis, 71. Cecropis striolata, 351. Centropus chlororhyn-
chus, 275.
rufipennis, 275, .315.
supereiliosus, 82.
Cepbalopteriis ornatus,
331. Cerchneis cenchris, 108.
naumanni, 255, 515.
tiununculus, 108,
255. Certhia hodgsoni, 145.
familiaris, 145, 304.
fasciata, 145.
Ceryle guttata, 449.
lugiibris, 449.
maxima, 69.
rudis, 62, 69, 282.
Ceuthmochares australis,
82. Cha3tura caudacuta, 448.
zonaris, 330.
Chalcopelia brehmeri,
467.
puella, 467.
Chalcopbaps indica, 400. Chalybura isauraj, 266.
urocbrysea, 266.
Cbai-adrius cantianus,
419.
curonicus, 419.
fulvus,400,452,513.
hiaticula, 419.
longipes, 184.
moriuellus, 419.
virginicus, 184, 452.
Cbelidou blakistoni, 448.
urbica, 301.
Chlorestes phaeton, 165. Chlorochrysa calliparia,
465. nitidissiraa, 464,
466.
phcenicotis, 466.
Chloroenas albilinea, 331. Ciilorolampis auriceps,
168.
caniyeti, 168.
chrysogaster, 153,
154, 158, 161.
osberti, 168.
salvini, 16S, 169.
Chlorospingus flavigu-
laris, 384.
nigrifrons, 384.
speciiliferus, 383.
superciliaris, 384.
Chlorospiza cbloris, 241. sihica, 120.
2 Q 2
530
INDEX.
Clilorostilbon acuticau- dus, 171.
angustipennis, 150,
151, 153,157,158,163, 167,
assimilis, 154.
atala, 150,151, 159,
160.
aureiventris, 165,
167.
■ auriceps, 150, 151,
168, 169.
bicolor, 165.
breyicaudatus, 163,
164.
caniveti, 150, 151,
168, 169.
caribffius, 159, 160.
euchloris, 150.
baeberlini, 150, 151,
160, 161.
igneus, 161, 162.
raelanorbynchus,
153, 155.
napensis, 163, 164.
nitens, 160.
osberti, 168, 169.
peruanus, 163, 164,
165.
phaethon, 165.
poortmanni, 170.
• prasinus, 150, 151,
159, 161, 162, 163, 165.
pucheraai, 150, 151,
161, 162.
pumilus, 153, 154.
smaragdioa, 153,
158.
splendidus, 1.50,
151, 162, 165, 167. Chotorea mystacopho-
rrns, 264. Chrysocolaptes festirus, 283.
stricklandi, 273,
283, 410. Chrysoena victor, 435. Chrysomitris spinas,
120. Chrysophlegma chloro-
phanes, 283. Ciconia alba, 425.
episcopus, 403.
nigra, 425.
Cinclodes fuscus, 370,
376. Cinclus albicollis, 140.
aquaticus, 140, 177,
304. pallasi, 449.
Circaetus brachydactylus, 102.
gallicus. 35, 102,293.
orientalis, 102.
Circus a'ruginosus, 109, 223,278,296,351.
assimilis, 22.5.
cineraceus, 176, 278,
296, 351, .503.
cinerarius, 110.
cyanu.s, 105, 109,
222, 296, 448.
gouldi, 225.
hudsonicus, 222.
jardinii, 225.
macropterus, 372,
377.
macroseelis, 230,
231, 25.3, 254.
macrurus, 65.
raaillardi, 228, 229,
230, 232, 256, 351.
melanoleucus, 222,
225, 226, 227, 228.
pygargus, 222, 503.
ranivorus, 65, 223.
rufus, 109.
spilonotus, 225, 227,
228.
swainsoni, 65, 109,
176, 223, 278, 296.
wolfi, 225,
Cisticola schoenicola, 17,
25, 275. Coccothraustes cameipes, 241.
japonicua, 121.
speculigerus, 241.
vulgaris, 5, 414,
Cocystes jaccobinus, 284,
315. Colius striatus, 62,81. CoUocalia francia, 313.
fiicifaga, 275.
spodiopygia, 437.
Columba castaneiceps, 447.
intermedia, 400.
cenas, 10, 416.
palumbus, 184, 416,
430.
irupestris, 125.
turtur, 416.
vitiensis, 442.
Colymbus arcticus, 433, 4o6.
glacialis, 4.33.
septentrionaUs, 433,
456. Copsychus saularis, 275, 396.
Coracias garruln, 68, 300.
indica, .314.
Coripbilus fringillaceus,
43(5, 441. Corvultur albicollis, 62,
77. Corvus collaris, 415.
corax, 35, 236, 272,
415.
cornix, 16, 26, 237,
415.
corone, 236, 237,
415.
culminatus, 236,
398.
frugilegus, 10, 415.
bybrida, 237.
monedula, 237, 415.
splendens, 398.
subcorax, 236.
torquatus, 119.
umbrinus, 236.
Corydalla richardi, 398.
rufula, 275.
Corythaix musophaga, 81.
porphyriolophus,
82. Corythomis cyancstigma,
68. Cosmetira eques, 147. Cossypha catfra, 60, 61, 73.
natalensis, 73.
Coturnicops exquisita, 135.
noveboracensis, 135.
Coturnix communis, 13.
japonica, 452.
japonicus, 126.
Cotyle fulvigula, 68.
paludicola, 68.
riparia, 16, 68*
rupestris, 17.
Crex baiUoni, 186.
minuta, 418.
porzana, 186, 418.
pratensis, 141, 186,
418.
pusilla, 186.
pygmaea, 418.
Criniger flaviventris, 74.
ictericus, 396.
Crinis calosoma, 266. Crithagra butyracea, 80.
chrysopyga, 80.
sulphurata, 80.
Crypsirhina varians, 463. Cuculus canorinus, 451.
canorus, 125, 299,
350.
INDEX.
531
Cuculus cupreus, 83.
klassi, 83.
smaragdineus, 83.
sonnerati, 284.
Cuncuma leucogastra,
278, 406. Cursorius gallicus, 142,
502. Ciitia nipalensis, 352,
459. Cvanecula 8uecica, 341. -^— wolfi, 306, 342. Cyanoderma erythro-
ptera, 264.
melanothorax. 264.
Cyanopolius cooki, 118.
cyanus, 117.
melanocephalus,
118. Cyanoptila cyanolaema,
146. Cygnus musicus, 426,
456.
olor, 426.
Cypselus affinis, 67, 280. apus, 20, 24, 67,
301.
batassiensia, 275.
cafFer, 67.
melba, 20, 67, 184,
301.
Dacelo gigantea, 437. Daption capeneis, 372,
377. Daulias hafizi, 338.
luscinia, 306.
Philomela, 30G, 338.
Dendrochelidon coro-
nata, 275. — ■ — mystacea, 147. Dendrocygna javanica,
407. Dendroeca virens, 180. Dendrophila frontalis,
286,316,463. Dendrotypes analis, 463. Dialia adorabilis, oil. Dicaeum concolor, 316.
miuimum, 275.
nigrimentiim, 264.
Dicrurus ludwigi, 75.
musicus, 75.
Didunculus strigirostris,
446. Diglossa albilateralis, 207,
216, 220. aterrima, 207, 216,
220. baritula, 204, 205,
206, 207, 208, 220.
Diglosa brunneiventris, 207,211,212,220.
carbonari a, 206,
207, 213, 214, 229.
cyanea, 218.
d'orbignii, 209.
gloriosa, 207, 210,
220.
humeralis, 207, 215,
216.
hyperythra, 209.
indigotica, 207, 218,
220.
intermedia, 214.
lafresnayi, 206, 207,
214, 216, 220.
major, 207, 214,
220.
melanopis, 218.
mvstacalis, 206, 207,
212, 220.
mystacea, 210.
pectoralis, 207, 212,
220. personata, 206, 207,
218, 219, 220.
plumbea, 205, 207,
217, 220.
similis, 209, 210.
sittoides, 207, 208,
209, 210, 213, 214,
220. Diglossopis caerulescens,
219, 220. Diomedea derogata, 140. Diphlogsena hesperus,
266. Dissemurus lopborhinus,
289. malabaricus, 273,
288. Domicella cyanauchen,
147.
cyanogenys, 147.
fuscata, 147.
jobiensis, 147.
lori, 147.
scintUlata, 147.
Doryfera euphrosinse,
266.
ludovicife, 266.
Teraguensis, 266.
Dromolaea leucocephala,
140.
leucopygia, 140.
Drymocataphus fusciea-
piUus, 273, 395, 410. Drymceca curvirostris,
380, 381. fortiroBtris, 380.
381.
Drymoeca maculosa, 60,
70.
natalensis, 380, 381.
smithi, 71.
subruficapilla, 70,
71. Drymoipus inornatus,
322, 396.
jerdoni, 397.
valid us, 397.
Dryoscopus boulboul, 77.
cubla, 76.
martius, 299, 451.
Ducula badia, 459.
griseicapilla, 459.
■ insignis, 459.
Dumetia albogularis, 290.
E elect us rodericanus,
343. Egretta garzetta, 15.
modesta, 132.
Elanus caeruleus, 66, 279,
293. Emberiza aureola, 6, 182,
250.
cassia, 6, 182, 248.
caniceps, 248.
castaneiceps, 144.
chrysophrys, 122.
cia, 144, 247, 312.
cioides, 14^1, 247.
• ciopsis, 144.
cirlus, 183, 312.
citrinella, 248, 312.
fucata, 121.
giglioli, 144.
hortulana, 183, 248.
lapponica, 182.
lesbia, 6.
leucocephala, 248.
luteola, 249.
melanocephala, 183.
melanops, 450.
miliaria, 249, 312.
minor, 249.
nivalis, 182.
pallasi, 249.
personata, 4.50.
pityornis, 6, 248.
polaris, 249.
pusilla, 6, 182, 249,
351. pyrrhuloides, 249,
312. quinqueHneata,
146.
rufibarba, 248.
rustica, 182.
schoeniclus, 248,
249, 312.
532
INDEX.
Emberiza spodocephala,
122, 450.
stewarti, 248.
tristrami, 122.
Empidonax hamniondi,
387.
nanus, 38G.
Empidothera cinereo-
capilla, 317. Eophona melanura, 121. personata, 121,
146. Ephialtes backamuna,
279.
scops, 111.
Erismatura leucocephala,
427.
mersa, 16.
Erithacus rubecula, 306,
342. Erythropus amurensis,
350. vespertinus, 109,
412. Ervthrospiza githaginea,
245.
incarnata, 245.
obsoleta, 247.
phoenicoptei'a, 247.
sanguinea, 247.
trinotata, 364, 365.
Erythrosterna albicilla,
117.
maculata, 318.
parva, 6.
Ervthrura cyanovirens,
■ki.
Estrelda amandava, 322.
astrild, 59, 79, 80.
incana, 80.
Eudromias asiaticns, 185.
morinellus, 184.
Eudynamys honorata,
142, 275.
taitensis, 437.
Eudyptes atrata, 114.
chryt;ocome, 1 13.
pachyrhynchus,
113, 114.
vittata, 112, 114.
Eidabes ptilogenys, 410. Eumvias albicaudata,
318.
sordida, 273, 411.
Eunetta formosa, 137. Euplectes taha, 79. Eupodotis afra, 63, 85. Eupsycbortyx parvicris-
tatus, 331. Eiirynorhynchus pyg-
mffius, 465.
Euspiza araericana, .3.31.
aureola, 250,451.
brunneiceps, 249.
rutila, 121.
sulphurata, 451.
variabilis, 450.
Eustephanus fernauden-
sis, 371, 377.
galeritus, .377.
leyboldi, 370, 371,
377.
Falcinellus igiieus, 404. Falco SEsalon, 107, 108,
292.
alaudarius, 107.
amurensis, 448.
babylonicus, 106.
barbarus, 28, 32,
255. cenchris, 20, 104,
175, 292, 517. eleonorse, 6, 22. 28,
29, 30, 32, 34, 508.
gabar, 236.
■ gyrfalco, 175.
lanarius, 107, 291,
292.
leucauchen, 232.
naumanni, 515.
peregrinoides, 107,
292. peregrinus, 32, 107,
292.
poliogaster, 357.
pygargus, 503.
radiatus, 364.
rufescens, 255.
ruficeps, 448.
sacer, 106, 291, 292,
473, 508. subbuteo, 108, 292,
448. tinnunculus, 10,
293.
tschemiaieTi, 106.
unicinctus, 234.
Tespertinus, 175,
292.
xantbothorax, 232,
xantbonyx, 516.
Francolinus afer, 61, 84.
• capensis, 62, 85.
sinensis, 350.
subtorquatus, 85.
vulgaris, 6.
Fregilus graculus, 119,
237. Fringilla cannabina, 413.
carduelis, 10, 413.
chloris, 10, 413.
Fringilla ccElebs, 10, 242,
412. montifringilla, 120,
183, 241, 413.
rufescens, 413.
serinus, 183, 413.
spinus, 413.
Fringillaria capensis, 61,
80.
flaviventris, 81 .
Fuliea atra, 15, 18, 134,
186, 418. Fuligula cristata, 429,
514.
ferina, 5. 429.
marila, 429.
nyroca, 16, 429.
rufina, 429.
Fulix baeri, 4.57.
marila, 4.57.
'■ mariloides, 457. Fulmarus glacialis, 188,
520.
Galeoscoptescarolinen.si9,
177. Galerida abyssinica, 141. Galerita cristata, 10, 123,
141. GaUicrex cristata, 134. Gallinago aucklandica,
392.
• australis, 453.
borsfieldi, 131.
major, 23, 185, 454.
megala, 131, 454.
. nobilis, 332.
pusiUa, 392.
scolopacina, 453.
stenura, 454.
wilsoni, 454.
Gallinula chloropus, 16,
26, 134, 186, 418.
phcenicura, 276, 323.
Gralloperdix bicalcarata,
400. Gallus stanleyi, 400. Gampsorbyncbus rufu-
lus, 460. torquatus, 349, 352,
460. Garrulus brandti, 450.
glandarius, 16, 416.
leucotis, 349, 350.
sinensis, 119.
Geeinus awokera, 451. canus, 124, 299,
451. erythropygius, 148,
463. guerini, 124.
INDEX.
533
Gecinus nigrigenis, 124.
striolatus, 412.
tancolo, 124.
viridis, 290, 451.
Gelochelidon anglica,
407, 408. Geocichla cvanotus, 319.
lajardi, 398.
Geopelia tranquilla, 59. Geranospizias CKrules- cens, 233, 234.
gracilis, 233.
niger, 233, 234.
Glareola lactea, 400, 401, 412.
pratincola, 419.
Glaucidium brodiei, 259.
calif ornicuin, 30,
38, 39.
• capense, 259.
■ castanonotum, 259.
castanopterum,259.
cobanense, 259, 260.
cuculoides, 259.
ferox, 37, 45, 55, 57,
259.
ferrugineum, .36, 37,
42, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 52, 54.
gnoma, 36, 37, 36,
39, 41, 42, 45, 47, 49, 50, 54, 55, 56, 259.
griseiceps, 37, 39,
41, 56, 259.
infuscatum, 36, 37,
46, 52, 54.
jardinii, 36, 37, 42,
45, 50, 52, 256.
lansbergeni, 50.
lansbergi, 36.37, 42,
57.
leucopse, 259.
malabaricum, 259.
nanum, 36, 37, 41,
45, 57, 259.
occipitale, 259.
pardalotum, 259.
passerinum, 36, 37,
38, 42, 259, 297, .328.
phalsenoides, 37, 51,
55, 58, 259.
pumilum, 36, 37,
39,40,41,56,2,19.
radiatum, 259.
ridgwayi, 37, 55, 58,
259, 260.
siju, 36,37, 59,259.
sylvaticum, 259.
tephronotum, 259,
269. whitelyi, 259.
Glaucion clangula, 428. Gliriphila modesta, 147. Graculus carbo, 431.
cristatus, 431.
javanicus, 409.
pygma?u8, 431.
sinensis, 409.
Grallaria i-uficapilla, 331. Graucalus layardi, 287.
macaei, 287.
Gnis communis, 424. Gymnocitta eyanoce-
pbala, 270. Gymnogenys malzacii,
221. Gypaetus barbatus, 99,
291.
fulvus, 87, 89, 98,
291.
Gyps fulvescens, 89, 90.
bispauiolensis, 87,
88, 97.
iiidicus, 351.
nivicola, 97.
rueppeUi, 90.
Hrematopus ater, 372,
377.
longirostris, 131.
osculans, 129, 453.
ostralegus, 130, 131,
420. Halcyon albirentris, 68.
pealii, 437.
recurvirostris, 437.
smyrnensis, 275.
Haliaetus albicUla, 99,
175, 294.
leucoryphus, 99.
Haliastur indus, 279. Hapaloderma narina, 68. Harpactes fasciatus, 281.
oreseius, 463.
Harpagus diodon, 499. Hedvmeles ludovicianus,
331. Heleodytes bicolor, 330.
griseus, 330.
Hemipodius maculatus,
127, 128.
vicai-ius, 128.
Hemiprocne albicincta,
330.
zonaris, 330.
Hemipus picatus, 287. Henicurus lescbenaulti,
463. Herodias alba, 403, 404.
egretta, 403.
egrettoides, 403.
garzetta, 86.
Hesperophona icteroides,
265. Hierax sinensis, 254. Himantopus autumnalis, . 403, 420.
brasiliensis, 498.
intermedins, 351.
— - — nigricollis, 498. Hirundo cucullata, 67.
daurica, 351.
domicola, 313.
hyperythra, 280.
riparia, 301.
rufula, 16, 20, 184.
rustica, 20, 67, 272,
275, 301.
savignyi, 519.
Horornis squameiceps,
146. Hvdrochelidon hybrida,
407, 408.
fissipes, 26, 497.
lariformis, 497.
Hydrocissa coronata, 274,
282. Hylocliaris ilavifrons,
161, 162.
sappbirina, 166.
siniilis, 161.
Hyloterpe grisola, 463. Hypbantornis bicolor, 78.
spilonota, 79.
Hypocolius ampelinus,
388. Hypolais caligata, 513.
icterina, 179, 309.
rama, 513.
Hypopicus poliopsis, 124. Hypsipetes neilgherri-
ensis, 321.
Ibis falcineUus, 426.
nipon, 455.
Ibycter ater, 95.
cbimachima, 95.
fasciatus, 95.
lora zeylonica, 275. Irrisor erythrorhyncbus,
69. Ispidina natalensis, 69. Ixos luteolus, 275.
Jyngipicus auranteiven- tris, 264.
fusco-albidus, 264.
Jynx torquiUa, 298.
Kenopia striata, 265. Ketupa ceylonensis, 279. Kittacincla macrura, 274, 396.
534
INDEX.
Lagonosticta rubricata,
80. Lagopus rautus, 41G. Lalage terat, 440. Lampomis calosoma, 266
isaurae, 26(5.
mango, 2()G.
porphyrurus, 266.
urochrjsea, 2()6.
Lamprocolius erythro- gaster, 78.
phcenicopterus, 78.
Lamprolia rictoriae, 43.5. Laniarius gutturalie, 60, 61, 62, 64, 77.
. icterus, 76.
olivaceus, 77.
quadricolor, 77.
similis, 77.
Lanius auriculatus, 176, 382
. badius, 381.
bucephalus, 115,450.
coUaris, 60, 76.
collurio, 76, 176,
.302.
cristatus, 275.
excubitor, 176, 302.
incertus, 115.
luciouensis, 116.
magnirosti'is, 114,
116.
minor, 176, 302.
pba?nicurus, 176.
rufus, 24, 302.
■ Buperciliosue, 450.
Larus argentatus, 432.
audouini, (>, 31, 34.
■ canus, 3, 7, 10, 12,
139, 439.
crassirostris, 138,
139.
ebumeua, 140.
fuscus, 433.
glaucus, 187.
leucophseus, 3, 7,
10, 12, 25, 29, 31, 34, 142, 187.
— marinus, 433.
melanocephalus, 3,
7, 10, 12, 15.
minutus, 14, 189,
432.
niveus, 138.
occidentalis, 140.
ridibunduB, 3, 7, 10,
12, 432.
rossi, 187.
sabinii, 187.
tridactylus, 432.
vetula, 86.
Leioptila annectans, 352.
saturata, 352.
Lepidcenas speciosa, 331. Leptocoma zeylonica,
275. Leptoptilus javanicus,
403. Leptomis samoensis, 438. Lestris longicaudus, 187. Leucocerca aureola, 290.
peotoralis, 317.
Leucospizias cinereus,365.
leucosomus, 365.
novaj hoUandiae,
365. Leucosticte atrata, 501.
australis, 501.
braiidti, 242.
brunueinucba, 450,
501.
griseinueba, 501.
littoralis, 501.
tepbrocotis, 501.
Limnaetus cristatellus,
277. Linionidromus indicus,
I4r;.
Limosa ipgocepbala, 422.
brevipes, 453.
lapponica, 422.
uropygialia, 4.53.
Linaria boi-ealis, 242.
cannabina, 242.
flavirostris, 242.
Lobiophasis biilweri, 264. Lobiospiza notabilis, 441. Lobipes hyperboreus,
455. Locustella lanceolata,
449. Lophoaetus occipitalis,
65. Lophomis adorabilis,
510. Lophospizias griseiceps, 355.
indicus, 355.
« trivirgatus, 355,
356. Lorius solitarius, 436. Loxia albiventris, 4.50.
curvirostra, 183,
414.
leucoptera, 183.
Luscinia aedon, 340, 341.
golzii, 338.
hafizi, 339, 340,
341.
hybrida, 340.
infuscata, 340,341.
luscinia, 339.
Luscinia occidentalie,
339, 340.
philomela, 340.
Liisciola aedon, 338,
341.
caligata, 179.
hafizi, 341.
infuscata, 341.
luscinia;, 338, 341.
orientalis, 342.
rubecula, 342.
suecica, 341, 342.
Machserhamphus alcinus, 254.
anderssoni, 254.
Machetes pugnax, 185,
3.32, 422. Macrouyx capenais, 73.
croceua, 73.
Macropvgia assimilis, 349, 352.
leptogrammica,459,
463.
ruficeps, 352.
tusalia, 4.59.
Macrorbamphus semi- pal matus, 454. Malacocercus striatus,
275. Mareca penelope, 5, 457. Megakema caniceps, 314.
hodgsoni, 350.
rarasayi, 349.
viridis, 315.
zeylonica, 275.
Megalophonus apiatus, 61,81.
crassirostris, 81.
Megalurus palustris, 463. Megapodius pritchardi, 447.
stairii, 447.
Melsenornis ater, 76. Melanocorypha calan- dra, 311.
sibirica, 311.
Melierax canorus, 235.
gabar, 235.
polyzonus, 23.5.
MeLitograis striata, 147. Melophus melanicterus,
351. Mergus albellus, 429, 456.
australis, 392.
castor, 456.
merganser, 5, 429.
serrator, 392, 430,
456.
535
Merops apiaster, 69, 300.
persiciis, 6.
pliilippinus, 281.
qiiinticolor, 273.
viridis, 274, 281,
314. Merula similliina, 319.
vanicorensis, 439,
Micrastur castaniUus, 363.
gilvicoUis, 232, 233.
leucauchen, 232.
rairandolii, 357.
poliogaster, 357.
ruficollis, 232.
zonothorax, 232.
Microhierax melanoleu- cus, 254.
sinensis, 254.
Micronisus badius, 276. Microptemis gularis, 283. Milviis affinis, 279.
ater, 104.
govinda, 104, 279,
351.
■ ictinus, 175, 295.
korschun, 503.
melanotis, 104.
migrans, 104, 175,
295. Mimeta striata, 147. Minms polvglottus, 272. Mirafra affinis, 274, 399. Monticola cvanus, 177, 335.
sasatilis, 177, 305,
335. Montifringilla fringillo-
ides, 242. • — - nivalis, 242. Mormon fratercula, 267.
grabiE, 267, 268.
Motacilla alba, 10, 180, 309.
capensis, 60, 73.
citreola, 181, 310.
flava, 310.
lugubi'is, 180.
luscinia, 339.
melanocepbala, 181.
sulpburea, 309.
vidua, 73, 180.
Munia malabarica, 275, 399.
malacca, 274, 398.
striata, 275.
undulata, 275.
Muscicapa atricapilla, 301.
collaris, 176,301.
griseola, 302.
Mu.scicapa parva, 173,
177, 301. Myiagra albiventris, 440.
azurea, 275.
azureocapilla, 434.
castaneiventris,
447. Myiophonus horsfieldi,
319.
temmincki, 335.
Mviotbera melanothorax,
264. Myzoraela cruentata, 147. erythrocephala,
jugularis, 447.
nigriventris, 438.
rubrobrunnea, 147.
Nauclerus furcatiis, 3-30. Nectarinia afra, 60, 69.
chalybea, 60, 70.
— collaris, 70.
■ famosa, 60, 63, 69.
— — gutturalis, 70.
olivacea, 70.
— — simplex, 264.
verreauxi, 70.
Nectarophila zeylonica,
31.5. Neodrepanis coruscans,
380. Neophron monachus, 91. percnopterus, 99,
291. Neornis assimilis, 459. Ne.stor ineridionalis,
261. Nettopus coromandelia-
nus, 430. Ninox affinis, 258.
aruensis, 258.
boobook, 258.
connivens, 258.
dimorpha, 258.
forsteri, 258.
franseni, 258.
fusea, 256, 257,
258.
guteruhi, 257.
bantu, 259.
hirsuta, 258, 279.
hoedti, 258.
humeralis, 257, 258.
hypogramma, 259.
japonica, 258.
lugubris, 258.
maculata, 258.
novae zealandiae,
258. obscura, 258.
Ninox ocellata, 258.
ochracea, 258.
punctulata, 259.
rufistrigata, 258.
squamipila, 257,
259.
strenua, 257, 258.
Ruperciliaris, 259.
tffiniata, 257, 259.
theomacha, 258.
variegata, 257, 259.
Niobe ardens, 79. Nisoides moreli, 366. Nisus cooperi, 500. Noctua meridionalis, 110. "
orientalis, 110.
Nothocercus julius, 331 . Nucifraga caryocatactes,
19, 238, 416. Nuraenius arquata, 402,
424.
minutus, 132.
phaeopus, 132, 402,
424.
tenuirostris, 424.
Nyctala tengmalmi, 176. Nyctea scandiaca, 110,
297, 328, 517. Nycticorax griseus, 403,
404, 425.
Ochromela nigrorufa,
318. Ocydromus australis,
393.
earli, 393.
fuscus, 393.
Odontopborus strophi-
um, 331. CEdemia americana, 457.
fusca, 429, 457.
nigra, 457.
velvetina, 457.
CEdicneraus crepitans,
141, 323, 419.
magnirostris, 264.
CEna capensis, 62, 83. CEstrelata defilippiana,
375, 376, 377.
diabolica, 374,375.
externa, 373, 375,
.376, 377.
maculata, 375, 376.
sericea, 373, 375,
377. Onychoprion anasthetus,
407, 408.
fuliginosa, 412.
Ophryzone kaupi, 378. Orsegitbus ignifrons, 243. I pusillus, 243.
536
INDEX.
Orchilus atricapillus,
385.
ecaudatus, 386.
Oreocincla mollissima,
352.
nilgiriensis, 320.
Oreouympha nobilis,
266.' Oriolus ceylonensis, 275.
galbula, 414.
indicus, 351.
larvatus, 75.
Ornismya aureiventris,
165.
caniveti, 168.
esmeralda, 170.
— ~- pbcfibe, 164.
poortmanni, 170.
prasina, 163, 164.
Oroecetes gularis, 14fi. Ortborhampbus magai-
rostris, 2(H. Ortbotomus borneoensis,
264.
coronatiis, 459.
longicauda, 275.
Ortygion coturuix, 418. Ortygometra quadristri-
gata, 446. — — tabuensis, 447. Osmotreron bicincta,
399.
pompadoura, 399.
Otis tarda, 129, 418.
tetrax, 418.
Otocompsa jocosa, 321. Otocorys alpestris, 182,
311. Otogyp'3 c.ilvus, 99. Otus brachyotus, 448. Oxyurus masafuerse, 370,
376.
Pacbycephala albifrons,
447.
flavifrons, 447.
icteroides, 440, 447.
Palaeornis caltbropse,
273, 411.
cyanocephalus, 123.
eupatriu.s, 282.
exsul, 342, 343.
melanorbynchus,
270.
rosffi, 282.
torquatus, 282.
Palumbus elphinstoni,
323. Pandion haliaetus, 102,
293. fluviatilis, 102.
Panurus biarmicus, 302. Paiiycblora alicia?, 150,
171, 172.
aurata, 171.
poortmanni, 150,
170, 172.
stenura, 150, 171.
Paradoxornis gularis,
352.
ruficeps, 352.
Pareudiastes pacificus,
44(). Parisomus assimilis, 460.
dalbousisE, 460.
Parra africana, 86. Parus ater, 303.
caeruleus, 303.
cinereus, 322.
commixtus, 463.
cristatus, .304.
' lugubris, 304.
major, 180, 303.
niger, 73.
palustris, 304.
Passer ammodendri,
239.
arcuatus, 62, 80.
diffusus, 62, 80.
■ domesticus, 3, 239,
243, 312.
■ indicus, 275.
italiae, 10.
jagoensis, 255.
montanus, 120, 239,
312.
petronia, 240, 241.
pulverulentus, 240.
salicarivis, 239, 243.
salicicola, 17, 21,
141, 239.
stoliczkse, 240.
Pastor roseus, 184, 238,
414. Pavo cristatus, 400.
muticus, 463.
Pelargopsis gurial, 275. Pelecauus crispus, 430.
onocrotalus, 430.
pbilippeusis, 409.
Perdix ciuerea, 8, 9, 13,
417.
saxatilis, 417.
Pericrocotus ardens, 264.
cinereus, 116.
ilammeus, 288.
— — peregrinus, 288. Peristera afra, 84.
cbalcospila, 84.
lansbergi, 50.
larvata, 84.
tympanistria, 84.
Peruis apivoFus, 102,
175, 293. Petrocossypbus cyanus,
335. Petrceca pusilla, 439. Pbaeton demersus, 113. Pbalacrocorax bicristatus,
138.
carbo, 25, 137.
• — — pelagicus, 131, 138. Pbalaropus fulicarius,
185, 420.
hyperboreus, 185r
Phasianus cbrysomela.s,
493, 494.
colcliicus, 418, 494.
decollatus, 492.
elegans, 492.
mongolicus, 492,
493.
persieus, 494.
seniitorquatus, 491,
493.
torquatus, 125, 492.
vei'sicolor, 452.
Pbilomela luscinia, 25. Phlegoenas stairii, 445. Pboenicopbaes pyrrhoce-
pbalus, 273, 285. Phoenicopterus roseus,
407. Pholidauges verreauxi, 78. Phyllastrephus capensis,
74. Pliyllopneuste sebwartzi,
144.
sibilatrix, 24.
viridanus, 144.
Phyllornis jerdoni, 275.
malabaricus, 27-3.
Pliylloscopus bouellii,
308.
borealis, 179.
eollybita, 309.
fuscatus, 144.
nattereri, 179.
nitidu.s, 275,
sibilatrix, 308.
superciliosus, 180.
trocbilus, 308.
Pica bactriana, 238.
caudata, 238.
leucoptera, 238.
mauritanica, 141.
media, 118.
rustica, 238, 416.
Picoides tridactylus, 299. Picus bimalayanus, 489.
kisuki, 451.
leptorbynchus, 487,
488, 490.
INDEX.
537
Picus leuconotus, 299.
— leucoptera, 488.
leiicurus, 451.
major, 145, 184,
299, 451, 488.
majoroicles, 489.
malaccensis, 264.
mandai'inus, 123,
489. mahrattensis, 274,
283.
medius, 299.
— — mentalis, 2(34.
. minor, 145, 299.
numidicus, 489.
puniceus, 264.
Strickland!, 274.
syriacus, 489.
variegatiis, 264.
viridis, 184.
Pinguinaria cristata, 113. Pionias pucherani, 147. Pitta bertae, 264.
brachycerca, 290.
Pityriasis gymnocephala,
264. Platalea leucorodia, 404,
426. Plectrophanes nivalis,
2.50, 312, 451. Ploceus baya, 399. Plotus melanogaster. 409. Pnoepyga caudata, 252.
■ chocolatina, 252.
longicaudata, 253.
roberti, 252.
Podiceps auritus, 434.
cornutus, 456.
cristatus, 433.
minor, 434.
nigricollis,434,456.
philippensis, 407,
456.
rubricoUis, 434.
Podoces panderi, 238. Pogonorhynchus torqua-
tus, 82. Polioaetus ichthyaetus,
278. Polyboroides typicus, 65,
221. Polyborus cheriway, 95. Polyphagia passerina,
284. Pomatorhinus horsfieldi,
320.
melanurus, 395.
Porphyrio indicus, 446.
melanonotus, 510.
poliocephalus, 403.
stanleyi, 510.
Porphyrio veterum, 15,
17.
vitiensis, 446.
Porzana erythrothorax,
134, 136, 455.
exquisita, 135, 455.
■ pygmaja, 134.
Prasitis phajopyga, 153.
prasiua, 163.
Pratincola atra, 321.
hempricbi, 338.
indica, 337.
rubetra, 306, 337.
rubicola, 306, 337,
338.
torquata, 72.
Prinia hodgsoni, 397. ■ socialia, 321, 397,
398.
superciliaris, 264.
Prionochilus vincens,
273, 398. Procellaria diabolica,375.
leucorrhoa, 188.
maculata, 375.
Promerops caffer, 60, 63,
70. Psalidoprocne holomelaj-
na, 67. Psittacus chalcopterus,
331.
melanocephalus,.331.
rodericanus, 343.
Ptilonopus apicalis, 442,
447. fasciatus, 438, 442,
445. pei-ousii, 441, 442,
445. Ptilonorhynchus holose-
riceus, 378. Ptilotis carunculata, 4-37,
438.
megarhyncha, 147.
pyrrhosus, 147.
rostrata, 147.
Ptynx fulvescens, 256. PutRuus cinereus, 27, 142.
creatopus, 376, 377.
kiihli, 11.
major, 187.
sericeus, 373, 374,
375.
yekouan, 11.
Pycnonotus atricapillus,
463.
capensis, 62, 74.
hremorrhous, 275.
nigricans, 74.
Pycnorhamphus icteroi-
des, 205.
Pyctorhis sinensis, 290. Pygoscelis tajniata, 113.
wngleri, 113.
Pyrenestes albifrons, 79. Pyrgita petronia, 22. Pyrophthalma melanoce-
phala, 28. Pyrrhocorax alpinus, 237,
414.
graculus, 237, 41.5.
Pyrrhula cineracea, 245.
enucleator, 414.
europjea, 244.
ignilrons, 243.
nijialensis, 244.
pusilla, 243.
■ rubricilla, 414.
vulgaris, 183, 244.
Pyrrhulauda grisea, 274,
399. Pyrrhulopsis splendens,
436.
Querquedula creccoides, 329.
■ eatoni, 328, 329.
gibberifrons, 329.
RalHna raandarina, 136. Eallus aquaticus, 16, 186,
418.
brachypus, 393.
pectoralis, 446.
semiplumbeus, 332.
Kectes nigrescens, 148. Recurvi rostra avocetta,
420. Eegulus cristatus, 180,
302.
■ ignicapUlus, 302.
modestus, 173.
Rhinogi'jrphus aura, 94.
burro vian us, 94.
pernigra, 93.
urubitinga, 93, 94.
Rhipidura albiscapa,
378.
dryas, 147.
kordensis, 147.
motacilloides, 378.
nebulosa, 439.
rufidorsa, 147.
rufifrons, 377, 378.
Rhodostethia rosea, 484,
485. Rhyuchaia bengalensis,
402. Rissa tridactyla, 10. Rubigula melanictera,
396. Ruticilla aurorea, 449.
538
INDEX.
Ruticilla phcenicurus, 24, 178, 306.
suecica, 177.
titys, 178, 306.
Salicaria hypolais, 179.
sibilatrix, 179.
Saraglossa spiloptila, 459. Sarciophorus bilobu8,323,
401. Sarcorhamphus isquato-
rialis, 93.
gryphuB, 92.
magellanicus, 91.
Sarkidiornis melanono-
tus, 407. Saxicola albicoUis, 179.
deserti, 337.
erytbraea, 140.
familiaris, 60, 61, 72.
halopbila, 140.
homochroa, 140.
isabellina, 335.
leucomela, 179, 336.
■ leucopygia, 22, 337.
leucura, 179.
lugens, 336.
melanogenys, 336.
inelanotus, 336.
melanoleuca, 336,
337.
monacha, 336.
morio, 336.
oenanthe, 24, 178,
306, 335.
pileata, 61, 72.
rubetra, 178.
rubicola, 178.
salina, 337.
saltator, 335.
sinuata, 61, 72.
squalida, 335.
■ stapazina, 179.
syenitica, 337.
talas, 336.
• vittata, 336.
xanthomelsena, 337.
Sceloglaux albifacies, 509. Scelospizias badius, 357,
360, 361, 366.
brevipes, 860, 361.
brutus, 358, 359.
franciscsB, 357, 358,
484.
poliopsis, 360, 361.
polizonoides, 360,
366, 367.
pusillus, 358, 359.
sphenuriis, 360.
tachiro, 358, 361,
362, 364.
Scelospizias tousseneli,
364. unduliventer, 362,
363, 364. Schcenicola pallasi, 451.
pyrrbuloides, 451.
yessoensis, 451 .
Scolopax brehmi. 423.
gallinago, 423.
gallinula, 423.
major, 423.
■ rusticola, 5, 131,
185, 423. Scops asio, 326, ,327. giu, 111, 176,298,
326, 327.
japonicuB, 448.
semitorquatuB, 448.
spilonotuB, 448.
trichopsis, 495.
Scopus umbretta, 63, 86. Seotopelia bowieri, 261.
peli, 261.
xissheri, 261.
Serilophus lunatus, 352. Serinus ignifrons, 243.
pusillus, 243.
Serpophaga leucura, 384.
pcecilocerca, 385.
Serrirostrum carbonari-
um, 213.
sittoides, 208.
Setaria pectoralis, 264. Sibia pieaoides, 459. Sitta cffisia, 304. Smaragditis euchloris,
171. Somateria mollissima,
186.
stelleri, 186.
Spatula clypeata, 427,
457. Spheniscus humboldti,
377. Sphenocichla roberti,
251. Sphenoeacus africanus,
62, 71. Spilornis bacha, 277.
cheela, 277.
spilogaster, 277.
Squatarola helvetica, 419,
452. Stelgidopteryx ruficollis,
330. Stercorarius catarrhactes.
433.
parasiticus, 433.
pomatorhinus, 433.
Sterna anglica, 187, 431. cantiaca, 14, 26, 87.
Sterna caspia, 187.
dougalli, 187.
fissipes, 432.
fluviatilis, 26, 431.
hybrida, 432.
leucoptera, 432.
media, 408.
melanogaster, 407,
408. minuta, 26, 412,
431. pelecanoides, 407,
408. Sternula sinensis, 407. Stictoenas phajonotus, 62,
83. Strepsilas interpres, 401,
420, 446. Strigieeps cineraceus,
110.
cyaneus, 105, 109.
pallidus, 109.
Strix aluco, 66, 297, 324,
325, 326, 327.
asio, 324.
bubo, 324, 327.
Candida, 512.
delicatula, 436, 512.
flammea, 66, 111,
,324, 325, 326, 327.
funerea, 324.
fusca, 257.
maugsei, 257.
nyctea, 324, 325,
326, 327, 328.
otus, 324, 326.
passerina, 324, 325,
326, 327. scandiaca, 324, 328.
- scops, 324, 326,327. stridula, 324, 325,
326, 327.
ulula, 324.
walleri, 513.
Sturnia albofrenata, 398.
daurica, lly.
funerea, 110.
sinensis, 119.
Sturnoides atrifusca, 438,
440. Sturnus cinerascens, 119,
nitens, 238.
purpurascens, 238,
404.
unicolor, 238.
vulgaris, 19, 238.
Sula bassana, 187, 431.
capensis, 87.
Suniia funerea, 297,
325, 326, 327.
nisoria, 110.
INDEX.
539
Suniia iiivea, 110.
ulula, 325, 326, 327.
Suthora munipurensis,
250. Sylochelidon caspia, 407. Sylvia atricapilla, 17,
307.
cinerea, 25.
conspicillata, 141.
curruca, 307.
liortensis, 24, 141.
japonica, 179.
melanocephala, 17,
2.5, 179.
mesoleuca, 178.
nisoria, 307.
rama, 513.
rufa, 308.
salicaria, 307.
sarda, 24, 28.
subalpina, 25.
Sylvietta micrura, 71. Sypheotides auritus, 323. Syrniuin aluco, 111, 326,
327.
davidi, 256.
fulvescens, 256.
fuscescen.s, 256.
indranee, 273.
nebulosum, 256.
nivicolum, 256.
rufescens, 256.
uralense, 256.
Syrrhaptes paradoxus,
184.
Taccocua leschenaulti,
285. Tachyspizias cuculoides,
365.
soloensis, 365.
Tadorna cornuta, 427.
rutila, 426.
Tantalus leucocephalus,
404, 405. Tatare longirostris, 447. Tchitrea paradisea, 289.
viridis, 75.
Temenuchus pagodarum,
274, 398. Tephrodornis pondice-
riana, 287. Tetrao medius, 417.
tetrix, 417.
urogallus, 417.
Thalassidroma pelagica,
433. Thalassoeca glacialoides,
376, 377. Thalurania lerchi, 266. wagleri, 166.
Thamnobia corypliiea,
61, 72. fulicata, 274, 275.
396. Thaumalia picta, 125. Threskiornis melano-
ceplialus, 404. Tichodroma muraria, 3,
304. Timelia bengalensis, 463.
erythroptera, 264.
Tinnunculus alaudarius,
108.
cencliris, 108.
rupicolus, 66.
sparverius, 330,
377. Toccus flavirostris, 82, giagalensis, 273,
282. Todirostrum ecaudatum,
385. Totanus calidris, 492,
421.
canescenfl, 86, 420.
fuscus, 421, 453.
glareola, 21, 86,
185, 276, 421, 453. glottis, 185, 402,
453.
hypoleucus, 422.
ochropus, 185, 421,
453. stagnatilis, 185, 402,
420. Treron delalandii, 83. Trichoglossus cyano-
grammus, 147. Tricholestes criniger,
264.
minutus, 264.
Tringa acuminata, 455.
albescens, 455.
alpina, 422.
cauutus, 422.
ciuclus, 455.
damacensis, 455.
niaculata, 455.
minuta, 60, 86, 185,
402, 412, 422.
salina, 412.
subarquata, 402,
422.
subminuta, 402.
temmincki, 185,
412, 422. Trochalopteron cachin-
nans, 320. Trochilus angustipennis,
153, 154. auriceps, 168.
Trocliilus bicolor, 166. chrysogaster, 153,
154.
daphne, 163, 164.
flavifrons, 165.
lainprus, 161.
nitidissimus, 161.
phaeopygus, 153,
158.
phaeton, 165, 166.
phcBbe, 16.5.
similis, 161, 162.
splendidus, 165,
166. Troglodytes alascensis,
143, 144. fumigatus, 143,
144.
parvulus, 180, 304. ;
Tropidorhynchus gilo-
lensis, 147.
inoruatus, 147.
Turdinus breyicaudatus,
252. Turdus atrigularis, 332,
333, 334.
chrysopleurus, 519.
coucolor, 345, 346.
falklandicus, 376.
fumidus, 344, 345,
346, 347.
fuscatus, 6.
hypopyrrhus, 344,
345, 346. icterorhynchus,
520. iliacus, 177, 305,
335. javanicus, 344, 345,
346.
• litsitsirupa, 73.
merula, 304, 332.
musicus, 305.
mystacinus, 332,
333, 334. — — naumanni, 334. nigricrissus, 345,
346,
obscurus, 520.
pallens, 334.
pelios, 146, 519.
pilaris, 305, 334.
ruficollis, 177, 334.
schlegeli, 344, 345,
347.
swainsoni, 173, 177.
torquatus, 5, 304.
varius, 177.
viscivorus, 304,
334. whitii, 173.
540
INDEX.
Tiirnix hottentota, 85.
Bjlvatica, 21, 24.
taigoi'i, 400.
Tiirtur albiventris, 60, 83.
auritus, 84, 184.
gelastes, 125.
hiunilis, 125.
• suratensis, 275.
Ulula urulensis, 297. Uncirostrum brelayi,207.
■ cyaueiim, 218.
d'orbignii, 209.
lafresnayi, 214.
■ eittaceim, 207.
Upiipa epops, 20, 184,
300.
minor, 69.
nigripennis, 274,
286, 316. Uragus sibiricus, 245.
Uria carbo, 458, 520.
grylle, 520.
Urobrachya axillaris, 79. Urocissa magnirostris,
350. Urospizias albigularis,
365,
cruentatus, 365.
griseigularis, 365.
baploclirous, 365.
henicogrammiis,
365. - — — hiogaster, 365.
muelleri, 365.
poliocephalus, 365.
rufitorques, 365.
sylvestris, 365.
torquatus, 363.
wallacii, 365.
VaneUus vulgaris, 419. Vidua principalis, 62, 79
Viuago siebokli, 452. Vultur ciuereus, 98. Vultur gryphus, 91. monacbus, 98, 291.
Xantbolosma indica, 274, 284, 288.
rubricapilla, 284.
Xantbotis chrysotis, 147. Xema furcata, 495. sabinii, 272.
Yunx japonica, 124.
Zanclostomus viridiros-
tris, 284. Zosterops capensis, 60,
70.
ceylonensis, 410.
palpebrosus, 275,
322.
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